WSBK: The experts speak

Jack Burnicle: "Bayliss, Bayliss, Bayliss. Troy Bayliss has been absolutely stunning in testing. He's been fastest everywhere and he's just showing no chinks whatsoever. People say "The bike's old" but that that doesn't matter to him. I've never seen him look so happy, so relaxed and so determined as he is this winter.

James Whitham: For me, it's been just how quick Max Biaggi has got up to speed. Newcomers always seem to take a while, but he's done really well so far. He's been really quick.

JB: "We won't know until we reach the first race really. His assets won't really show up in testing – much more so in the races.

JW: There's always this view from Moto GP racers that Superbikes is a step down, and it's just not true. I really thought he was just here for a big payday before retiring, but it would appear that I couldn't be more wrong. My reservation is that if he doesn't get off to a good start then he could lose a bit of interest. Obviously he hasn't been to about four of the tracks, but we start in Qatar – which he does know. I just don't think he can run with Bayliss for a whole season.

JB: He can hope for more involvement from the Honda Racing Corporation because although Ten Kate have done a fabulous job on what resources they have, there is still night and day between their bike and a HRC machine – as Chris Vermeulen proved when he rode the latter bike at the Suzuka eight hours a few years ago.

JW: I'm looking for big things from James. He's such a fit guy and he says he's never been fitter, and with it being his second year on the Honda, and having all the data from the tracks, he's got a better chance then in 2006. He admits the team got caught with their pants down last season, but if he can get into a situation where he has to get into a dogfight, I'd always back him.

JB: When the offer was made, the d'Antin Ducati ride didn't look so appealing, and Alex Barros advised him not to take it. Ironically, Barros took the ride instead and has been going faster than the works bikes in Moto GP testing.

JW: He's got a lot of faith in Ten Kate – and rightly so. I've never seen him as focused as he is now.

JB: Honestly, not really, because it was never going to happen this year unless a huge amount of money was thrown at the situation. I suppose the disappointment is the loss of the infrastructure and the transporters from the paddock. The big shame is that it means Neil Hodgson definitely won't have a ride this year, and he is as quick as they come, so it's really disappointing that Neil won't be back.

JW: Absolutely. First because Carl is my mate, second because it was a different bike on the grid, and third because they looked after us like royalty for three years. I know Carl's disappointed that after building up the team he couldn't attract another manufacturer to go with them, after all, with his name, it should be easier than anyone else to attract the cash. He'll be most disappointed that his name is going to be tainted with the failure of the team.

JB: I'd love to say that Ruben Xaus will cure his habit of crashing. He had a bad bike last year, but he'll at least have the 06 machine this time, so let's wait and see.

JW: I have no idea. Bayliss, or anyone else, not running away with it would be a good start.

JB: The racing should be fantastic. I think there will be a few guys with a lot to prove, like Haga and Corser. Ruben Xaus I think will be another. Can he stop crashing? Well, if the 2006 Ducati is better than the 05 bike then he should.

JW: The battle down at Yamaha between Troy Corser and Noriyuki Haga. Haga's just had his most consistent season ever, but somehow I'm still not convinced he can run at the front for a whole championship. Last year he could have come away from the opening rounds with the championship lead, but instead he crashed and never really recovered. Unless something happens like Bayliss breaks his arm, I just can't see Nori ever winning a world title. Yamaha have invested heavily in the whole data analysis game over the winter so they can make the most of it. Haga will be desperate to beat Corser – he's never been beaten by a team-mate.

JB: Anything can happen, but I just don't see anybody toppling Bayliss. The exhilaration and enjoyment of riding a bike at the limit is so apparent with him, and his single-minded determination and amazing ability to be just so consistent is incredible

JW: If I were a betting man, I'd have to say Troy Bayliss. He may not have a new bike, but that means he doesn't have to worry about early teething troubles. He has the might of Ducati, all that experience and all that data, and for me, he's the favourite. Behind him, I'll say it will go Toseland, a battle for third between Biaggi and Corser, and then Haga.