After the first round of the 2011 MotoGP season, one thing became clear. Honda has a fantastic motorcycle this year. Casey Stoner took victory in Qatar, and he was joined by three other Honda machines in the top five. But that doesn't mean that a Honda will be on the top of the podium in Jerez.
Casey Stoner has never had good luck at the Spanish circuit, and has only one podium finish at the Spanish circuit to his name. Stoner's teammate Dani Pedrosa will also be fighting against the odds this weekend. Pedrosa will be fighting through a shoulder injury at Jerez, one that will need to be operated on after the race.
With the Honda riders in an unfavorable position, Yamaha could find itself at the top. Jorge Lorenzo took the Spanish GP win last year, and he'll be looking to do the same in front of his home crowd.
"I am ready to come back to Jerez," said Lorenzo. "It is a great moment to ride for my people and my Fan Club here in Spain. We can't make predictions for Sunday, but my crew and I will work as much as possible to be in front."
Lorenzo's teammate Ben Spies will also be a main contender for the podium. Spies was just getting his feet wet at Jerez last year, but now, with a year under his belt and a factory machine under his ass, Spies could take home his first MotoGP victory.
"I have unfinished business here at Jerez," said Spies. "I really enjoyed riding here last year and was disappointed not to be able to take some points from the race. Now I'm back with a full factory machine so I believe the outcome should be a little different."
Valentino Rossi could also see a burst of energy in Jerez. Rossi and the Ducati team haven't been able to find their stride yet, but Rossi will be confident heading out onto the Jerez track. Rossi has 6 premier class wins at the Spanish circuit, the most in MotoGP history.
