Click the images below for bigger versions:
Since 2002, when 4-strokes were ushered into the modern era of MotoGP to replace the irascible 2-stroke 500cc machines, Honda has been the most successful manufacturer at Le Mans, earning four victories.
Yamaha is second with three wins, and Suzuki with one. Valentino Rossi is responsible for three of the wins, landing the top spot on the podium aboard the Honda in 2002, topping the podium again in 2005 on the Yamaha 990cc, and again with Yamaha in 2008 riding the new era 800cc machine.
With the current slate of former 250cc riders that have transitioned to the premier class grid experiencing teething problems in acclimating to the big-bore 4-strokes, it begs the question: how long will it take the likes of Marco Simoncelli, Alvaro Bautista, Hiroshi Aoyama, and Hector Barbera to adapt and be running at the front?
Personally, I honestly thought these riders were going to make more of an impact than they have. It just goes to prove how strong and talented (and tough) the usual suspects are.
That said, with the exceptions of the Americans, all of the current riders in the premier class came up through the 2-stroke screamers: the 125cc and 250cc machines.
The fact that they've adapted to the rapidly evolving characteristics of the modern-era machines to rule the roost is testament to what is most certainly in store as these new recruits gain confidence and seat time.
For the time being however, it's pretty hard to bet against the entrenched (Rossi, Pedrosa, Stoner, and Lorenzo) running at the front this weekend.
But look at Le Mans to potentially be a turning point as several riders are showing signs of rejuvenation. Nicky Hayden and Ben Spies are definitely on the gas and Colin Edwards is always strong at the French circuit, having finished on the podium twice (2005 and 2008) as well as earning his first ever pole in 2007.
We're all full of speculation and opinions, but the truth of the matter is; every single man on the premier class grid is ready, hungry, and deserving. That's why they're here. So, let the games begin.
Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/OKWsPMvvrod/MotoGP+Race+3+Anticipation
Now, not since 1997 have I given so much time during a season to ferreting around a 125 team's garage while on my paddock wanderings. It's the Finnish-run Ajo Motorsport garage with Marc Marquez and the super-nice German-with-the-Italian name, Sandro Cortese that I've visited. There are some great guys in the garage from all over Europe - Finns, Germans and Spaniards. Young guys, old guys, new guys, race-winning mechanics and a world champion with Emilio Alzamora who's trying to 'win it' all over again with Marc, some 11 years after he won it himself at Buenos Aires in 1999.
George Lorenzo with Yamaha Team
Marcos Ambrose, 
