“It's difficult to say, but I think out of the two of them Aprilia are the ones who are maybe going to surprise a few people. They've got two really strong riders with [Max] Biaggi and [Shinya] Nakano on-board, who are both of a similar stature and very good at setting up the bike, so it'll be interesting.

“On the other side, BMW have the money, they've got the technology and they've got the resources, so whilst it might take a little bit longer, I'm sure they're going to get there too.

“I also think Ben Spies is going to do really good. He's a big talent, as is Syksie. I did my apprenticeship in the UK as well, so I know that coming through that background always makes for a good rider. I think he's going to come on very well.”

Bayliss was speaking during the annual Race of Champions end-of-season extravaganza held at London's Wembley Stadium, and though he was forced to concede defeat in his opening round tie against new Formula 1 superstar and youngest-ever winner Sebastian Vettel, as the only rider in a fiercely competitive field, he knows he didn't do too badly overall.

“I loved it!” he enthused. “It's a great event and I felt privileged and honoured to be there, as the only bike rider amongst a lot of great names in car racing.

“Up against a name like Vettel it wasn't an easy task, but I got around okay and wasn't too far off the pace, so I was pretty happy and I could leave with my head held half-high. It's a great event, and it's all about having a good time. It's really good for the fans too – they can get close and come and see all the drivers and, well, one rider!

“I really enjoyed it. I came back in 2001 and now this year too, and events like this and Goodwood I'm really keen for.”

by Russell Atkins