Biaggi: I know how to win the title.

Max Biaggi starts the 2005 MotoGP season with his best chance yet of claiming a first premier-class world crown, after signing to ride for the factory Repsol Honda outfit.

Since joining the premier-class in 1998 Biaggi, a four-times 250cc champion, has finished second, fourth, third, second, second, third and third respectively in the championship chase.

The Roman's first season in the then 500 GP class was as a satellite Honda rider, before he joined the factory Yamaha team for 1999-2002, then switched to the satellite Camel Honda outfit for 2003-2004 - and has now signed a 'dream' HRC contract for this season.

"Being in this team is a great opportunity; you may laugh now, but let me tell you that I've always wished to be part of this team and to wear Repsol colours. This has been one of my biggest dreams and also one of my secrets, something that finally has become true," said Max at the recent Sepang II test.

"Now I'm here, in the best team of the world championship, with the support of Honda - the number one factory - and with such an important sponsor, who has achieved so much success in this sport, Repsol. I know that we have a lot of work ahead; last year things didn't work out very well for the team, so we'll have to work hard to make the Honda be once again a winning bike," he added.

But even though Honda lost the title last year, this season must be your best chance so far of being a premier-class world champion?

"Yes, that's true, it probably is," Biaggi replied. "At the end of last season I had several possibilities on the table, some with major remunerations, but I'm not here to become rich and be often on TV; I know very well what I want and I'm conscious about the fact that this is the team that can offer me everything necessary to get the MotoGP title.

"I want to be the number one, the world champion at the end of the season," he underlined. "Right now it's Rossi and his Yamaha who are number one and my aim is with no doubt beating that pairing and become number one myself."

So what is it that you need from Honda to take the title from Rossi?

"Working with Honda is with no doubt something incredible and I'm excited with the idea," he began. "The team is completely renewed compared to the previous seasons, so we're now trying to adapt ourselves and to become a close team.

"Let's not forget that the team always plays a very important role in this sport, especially during race weekends, where we only have four hours to get the bike set and any mistake may set us back. Good communication within the team and a competitive bike are most of the times the key to be in the front.

"Look, I signed the contract with Honda because they came to me and told me that they wanted me to ride for them to try to get the title together this year. And that's what we are here for, both Honda and me, to try to get the title, so I think that Honda will be the first one wanting to give me the necessary tools to try it with guarantees," he declared.

As well as the Roman, a notable new addition to the 2005 Repsol Honda line-up is that of Erv Kanemoto, an old friend of the Biaggi's, who has been appointed technical director - surely an important boost to his title hopes?

"Yes, we've known each other for a long time, I've learned a lot from him and we largely agree in several working aspects," said Biaggi. "Look, I'll be very sincere: I know how to win the world championship, and to do it I need the support of a factory and to be surrounded by the precise people, people like Kanemoto."

Biaggi was then asked to name the riders he feels will be in contention for this year's world championship - and there were few surprises in his list.

"Valentino is the champion and the man to beat. Starting from this point, I think that Gibernau, and I hope that myself, will be fighting for the title. Maybe Barros, Hayden, Capirossi, Tamada will be there as well," he said.

Finally, at 33-years of age and after 12-years as a full time grand prix rider, is the best of Max Biaggi still to come?

"Yes, I'd say 99% yes," he replied. "Let's see what happens in the next ten months..."

Biaggi finished the second Sepang pre-season test second fastest, just 0.055secs slower than Konica Minolta Honda rider, and former Camel Honda team-mate, Makoto Tamada.

The full Q&A with Biaggi can be found in the MotoGP channel.