His victory in MotoGP's premier class in Japan recently has helped Valentino Rossi realise his dream.
The Italian is now the 2008 MotoGP World Champion after two unsuccessful attempts foiled by Nicky Hayden in 2006 and Casey Stoner last year.
And his charge last weekend from 12th position on the grid to second on the podium in Phillip Island in Melbourne proved that Rossi, 29, still has the fire.
The same late-braking antics can be expected by Rossi in Sepang next weekend at the Polini Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, the penultimate race on the calendar.
After the Australian Grand Prix, Stoner had said: 'I wasn't disappointed in Japan, the two crashes that I had was when I lost the championship. Valentino has done really well and was hard to beat this year.'
So what does the crystal ball say about the 2009 season?
We asked two local team managers, whose riders will be taking part in the support race for the MotoGP weekend, about their predictions.
Top of the list are three names - Rossi, Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo - said both team managers.
Said Mr Shahlan Saim from Team Singtrek: 'All three showed that they were able to perform this year. Rossi was consistent all year round.
'If nothing changes, you will see the same three fighting for the podium. Of the three, (Jorge) Lorenzo showed promise as a rookie in 2008.'
Mr Andrew Morrice from Red Rooster Racing praised Lorenzo for being 'quick to impress' in his MotoGP debut.
He said: 'Lorenzo with his do-or-die attitude has surprised many people. He will do the same next year (2009).
'He is like a copy of Gary McCoy who when he appeared in a grand prix several years ago, dazzled the crowd with his show of powerslides.
'People were talking about him (McCoy) for a while. Likewise, Lorenzo is new, so he has something to prove by being gung-ho.'
Lorenzo, former 250cc champion from Spain, is Rossi's team-mate in Team Fiat Yamaha.
Rossi heads the table (prior to Sepang race) with 332 points, while Lorenzo trails in fourth with 182 points.
In second place is Stoner from Team Ducati Marlboro with 245 points and third place Dani Pedrosa with 209 points.
Midway during the 2008 season it was hard to predict the outright winner.
Rossi and Stoner had four wins each to their names.
Before the Japan MotoGP, Rossi had created an 87 point lead against Stoner.
Rossi's victory in Japan crushed all hopes of Stoner fighting to the last race on the calendar.
Lorenzo can learn some things from the duel at the top.
In order to keep up with Rossi and Stoner next year for championship points, Lorenzo has to retain a mature riding style.
Said Mr Shahlan: 'He (Lorenzo) must not get injured too often or take many risks. If he can't win, Lorenzo should go for points.'
In 2009, Rossi faces stiff competition from Lorenzo and Stoner.
New machine?
The Fiat Yamaha team must not rest on their laurels as Ducati could be building another powerful machine for next year, just like the one Stoner rode to victory in 2007.
Said Mr Shahlan: 'In 2007, it was just unfortunate for Rossi that Ducati had the better bike. It was faster in a straight line than Rossi's Yamaha.
'In 2008, Yamaha has caught up with its racing development. Testing and engine development are important factors for Yamaha to consider if they want to keep their title from Ducati.'
What about the other Spanish rider, Dani Pedrosa from Team Repsol Honda?
Pedrosa is no rookie and has had his share of time on the podium, too.
Said Mr Morrice: 'Pedrosa could win some races next year but having been around in the MotoGP class, he has not made any real impact. The switch to different tyre manufacturers late in the season has not helped in his quest for the title.'
Fortunately for Rossi, the Italian had switched from Michelin tyres to Bridgestone early in the season, giving him the same advantage as his rival, Stoner.
Before the MotoGP riders take to the grid next weekend, local riders will be the first to have a go at the Sepang Circuit.
Singtrek will be fielding six riders, one in the Malaysia Super Series Superbike (1,000cc) class and five in the Supersport (600cc) class, while Red Rooster Racing will be represented by two riders in the Supersport class.
If they win in Sepang, Mr Morrice's two riders from India will take second place in the overall expert category of the Supersport class, and first in the novice category of the Supersport class.
Said Mr Morrice: 'It has been a challenging year, but what I've learnt is that riders and the team members must gel. This psychological bond will make the team stronger and give riders more faith in their machines.'
Mr Shahlan, on the other had, has learnt more about the technical aspects of racing.
He said: 'The engines that we use for racing now is totally different from the bikes I used to race 10 years ago. There is so much technology packed into the race bikes today.'
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