Fortuna: Great expectations.

The Italian-based Fortuna Yamaha Team will once again lead the Yamaha charge in 2003, with the experienced Carlos Checa retained alongside MotoGP rookie Marco Melandri.

However, things haven't quite gone to plan in pre-season testing with the sister Gauloises machine of Alex Barros regularly outpacing the official outfit.

Team Director Davide Brivio made it clear that, testing difficulties aside, Checa in particular must now deliver when the red lights go out on Sunday at Suzuka.

"I have high expectations this year for both of our riders," stated Brivio. "We expect Carlos to be up there fighting for the win this year. I think he can reach the podium even in the dry, as Yamaha have improved the total YZR-M1 package since this time last year.

"We are constantly trying to improve the package, and Carlos tested a new fairing to improve aerodynamics at the Suzuka IRTA test last weekend. We are now seriously considering using the new fairing for the Grand Prix," revealed Brivio.

A comparison between the 'old' [left] and 'new' [right] bikes is pictured.

Turning to new boy Melandri, Brivio's expectations are naturally much lower - but he still expects the Italian reigning World Champion to cause a 'surprise' this season.

"Marco's winter testing has been very good but he obviously still has a lot to learn," said Brivio. "I'm expecting a surprise from him at some point but maybe it's too early in Suzuka. It will be his first MotoGP race and we look forward to giving him the chance to learn from it. Suzuka will be a proper test for Marco and we are hoping for him to finish somewhere in the top ten, that would be very nice for him."

The Yamaha YZR-M1 won two MotoGP races last year despite a difficult time during the beginning of the four-stroke project. The machine also took second place in the 2002 Constructors' Championship.

"It would be fantastic for us to win this first race for Yamaha at their home Grand Prix in Japan," admitted Brivio. "Of course the other Japanese manufacturers will be under pressure for exactly the same reason, so it might not be that easy!"