Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Disappointed at having missed the F1 season-opener in Bahrain last weekend?
In need of some proper track racing rather than having to endure it on the main roads?
Then take a quick hop across the pond this weekend to the night-time action at the Losail Circuit in Qatar which plays host to the opening round of the 2011 MotoGP season. In addition to some serious racing with overtaking aplenty, there is also the intrigue and sub-plots that would make a story-teller proud!
As with F1, the testing season has been fuelled by claims from competitors of illegal systems introduced to the fastest machines. MotoGP also boasts a new, young world champion, although in this case, he has a new team-mate.
This is the final year of 800cc motorcycles in the elite class before switching to a maximum of 1000cc in 2012. The grid this year consists of only 17 bikes, although 14 of the riders have previously won an FIM-recognised world title in one category or another.
Last season's dream Yamaha team has been broken by the departure of the irrepressible Valentino Rossi, leaving for Ducati to create an all-Italian partnership between the nine-times world champion and the Desmosedici-manufacturers.
It's a match up between a machine renowned for its straight-line speed and a popular champion who brakes later and therefore carries more speed into corners than his competition.
Certainly in pre-season Rossi, and Nickey Hayden, his new team-mate with whom he is reunited after their earlier partnership at Honda in 2003, have complained of 'chatter' through the corners. However, the team's ability to work on stabilisation have been hampered by the shoulder surgery on the 'Doctor' and a flu virus that sent Rossi home ill at the Sepang circuit.
Ducati are not short of ideas and, despite having already dispensed with their new winglets, will hope to make up the shortage of speed.
The team vacated by Rossi is now a harmonious unit, according to the world champion he left behind, Jorge Lorenzo. The young Spaniard who won the 2010 championship with a record points haul is delighted to welcome last season's Rookie of the Year, Ben Spies.
Lorenzo's prime aim throughout the tests was to improve the grip on the Yamaha M1. The introduction of a new chassis has certainly achieved this, although it has left him bemoaning a lack of power.
However, this is a problem enhanced by the long straights at Sepang and will be less evident at other circuits. Yamaha can also take solace from their performance on the harder tyre compounds and their consistency over a race distance.
Across the pit lane lies the Repsol Honda unit that has been at the centre of a technology controversy. Led this season by Casey Stoner, emulating his hero Mick Doohan by joining Honda, fans of the diminutive Aussie-rider will be delighted with his consistency in testing, culminating in setting a record lap at Sepang, breaking the magical two-minute lap barrier. He and Pedrosa were also fastest under the lights in Qatar, indicating a solid start to the season.
The controversy has centred around accusations that Honda have introduced an illegal dual clutch transmission to their RC212Vs. However, this was scotched by HRC VP Shuhei Nakamoto, although he kept fans guessing by stating they are closely guarding secret developments ... something is working as they finished every test day in Sepang with Stoner at the top of the standings and other Honda riders occupying all of the first four places. This sequence was only broken in Qatar by Spies taking fourth spot under the lights.
Stoner looks to be a firm pre-season favourite along with colleague Dani Pedrosa, although expect Lorenzo and his Yamaha team-mate Spies to come into the reckoning on the more demanding circuits requiring a harder compound tyre.
However, no matter who is leading a given race, expect half of the viewing audience to be looking for Rossi who will be looking to leave his opponents red-faced in the wake of his Ducati. The 'Doc' may not have the single lap pace although he has shown better comparable speeds over distance.
Outside of this group, look no further than the remaining Honda riders. Most expect Marco Simoncelli to do well, although don't discount Hiroshi Aoyama who beat Simoncelli to the 250cc title in 2009.
It promises to be a fascinating season and more than a quick fix for those missing F1 fever!
