[jmeyn]

What battle?

Like 2001 and 2002, the 2003 championship will come down to a battle between Biaggi and Rossi.

On a competitive bike Barros was closer to Rossi than Biaggi was and that wasn't at all close.

I agree about Checa's pressure problem, but Barros looks great under pressure. Seems like he was overachieving all year. I understand he had a previous history of inverted riding, but he was consistently upright in 2002.

 

[jmeyn]

Why discount Biaggi?

He's certainly motivated, and at the end of the season he seemed to be doing just great tire-wise. I'm not fond of him, but he rides really well.

I suspect that Rossi has a huge psychological advantage over him, though. He loves to sit on his opponent's tail and wait for the mistake. Barros seems to handle that better than Biaggi.

 

[jmeyn]

Barros has a chance, though

Even if not faster, Honda has the huge advantage.

But one great rider on a competitive machine can win it all. It looks like a really great year.