italians

Rossi ready for opening battle. - "I'm very happy and excited that we have finally reached the first race... Yamaha have worked very hard over the winter and our ne bike is very good" - Valentino Rossi. [motogp]

Lorenzo: As good as I hoped... - "It's been hard work and of course I still have a lot to learn, but I think we're starting the season in as good a shape as I hoped" - Jorge Lorenzo. [motogp]

Ducati: Stoner 'better than ever'. - One year ago, Casey Stoner arrived at Qatar under pressure to prove he deserved a place at Ducati's factory team - but he returns as the reigning world champion and 'man to beat' during this weekend's inaugural MotoGP night race. [motogp]

I can't wait, insists Melandri. - Despite rarely featuring towards the sharp end of the timesheets during winter testing, new Ducati Marlboro rider Marco Melandri insists he 'can't wait' to make his Desmosedici debut this weekend in Qatar. [motogp]