Fantasy MotoGP: San Marino

It's a case of Valentino Rossi versus Casey Stoner (both 20) when you pick your top rider.

Rossi is MotoGP's Mr Reliable. He has finished every race, with a podium position in all but two of 12 events.

However, last season the Italian failed to finish the San Marino GP. In fairness to him, it was an engine problem after he had qualified second behind Stoner.

Despite losing ground in the title race, Stoner still looks like the fastest man on the track.

If he had stayed upright, he may well have won at both Laguna Seca and Brno - but that is a big if.

The Australian's failure to match Rossi's stunning consistency could cost him the title and has stung more than a few Fantasy managers this year.

Nonetheless, he looks like the smart pick to repeat his Misano victory on Rossi's patch.

Several early-season form horses have fallen away badly. Injuries have taken their toll on Spanish duo Dani Pedrosa (19) and Jorge Lorenzo (13), who have just seven championship points between them from the last three rounds.

Their downturn in fortunes has coincided with a Suzuki resurgence, so give serious consideration to both Chris Vermeulen (17.5) and Loris Capirossi (17).

Anyone savvy enough to pick up Toni Elias (14) for Brno officially has permission to pat themselves on the back. Anyone who did not is advised to drop Lorenzo for the Alice Ducati man.

As always, Andrea Dovizioso (10.5) is a bargain. Any manager worth his or her salt should have the impressive rookie.

TEAM: Pick Rizla Suzuki (11.5). Just do it. They have enjoyed some brilliant results courtesy of Capirossi and Vermeulen and arguably offer the most reliable one-two punch of any manufacturer. Remember you need both riders to finish in the top eight to get big points, so do you really want to rely on Marco Melandri or an out-of-form Lorenzo?

MANUFACTURER:Ducati (9) look slightly better-placed than Yamaha (7.5), particularly in light of Elias's emergence. While Suzuki (6), again, offer value. Honda (8) are iffy.

TYRES: Only one choice here - Bridgestone (7.5). They were embarrassingly far ahead of Michelin (7) at Brno and, no matter how hard the French manufacturer has worked to close the gap, surely take an edge to Misano.
Item Reviewed: Fantasy MotoGP: San Marino Description: Rating: 5 Reviewed By: Sakura District, Inc

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