McCoy won the 500cc race at Valencia six years ago and the team were very encouraged by their debut in Portugal where they picked up a Championship point. The Valencia circuit should suit the cornering characteristics of the Ilmor more than Estoril and McCoy will be looking to give us a glimpse of what to expect next year, when 800cc machines will replace the existing 990cc racers.
For five years the 990s have taken speeds and lap records to areas never previously dreamed of and produced an incredible spectacle. With a top speed of over 215 mph and acceleration that matches a Formula car it is little wonder they have transformed grand prix motor cycle racing in such a short period.
Meanwhile, it's not only the
MotoGP World Championship that will be decided on Sunday - the 250cc title will also be settled, with Spaniard
Jorge Lorenzo leading Italian Andre Dovizioso by 13 points, after Dovi won in Portugal with Lorenzo fifth.
19-year-old Lorenzo, riding the Fortuna Aprilia, looked certain to take the title in Portugal after winning eight grands prix, but was unusually off pace - leaving Humangest Honda rider Dovizioso to win only his second grand prix of the year after a fantastic race with Hiroshi Aoyama and
Alex de Angelis.
Lorenzo should clinch his first world crown this weekend, but in similar style to MotoGP there are plenty of riders who have already proved they are race winners and podium finishers to really complicate the equation.
There is nothing complicated in the 125cc class where 21-year-old World Champion Alvaro Bautista signs off before joining the 250s next year. Hes had an amazing season on the Master-MVA Aspar team Aprilia, winning eight races and capturing the title three grands prix before the end of the season.
Mika Kallio confirmed his runner-up position with a third place in Portugal. The Finn makes his last 125cc appearance on Sunday before stepping up to 250s next year with KTM.
