No rider on the MotoGP grid has more experience than 35-year-old Checa. Now reunited with Honda after spells with Yamaha and Ducati, Carlos has an opportunity to draw on his huge experience and fulfil a still largely untapped potential, riding what is likely to be an ultra-competitive RC212V in this, his 12th season in the premier class.

Whenever Checa is being written off as a spent force, the resilient Spaniard always replies with another ride that marks him out as a potential winner. Although he has won only twice in his top flight career so far, he has produced rides of such determination, raw speed and rare skill that rivals know he still has what it takes to win.

The man from Sant Fruitos in Catalonia began his career in the 125cc class in 1993, progressing to 250s in 1995. But it was clear his future lay in the big class and he arrived on the scene full time in 1996 with the Fortuna Honda Pons outfit. He won his first race at ‘home’ in Barcelona beating Mick Doohan with Alex Criville in third and it seemed Spain now had a man who could perhaps secure the ultimate prize in motorcycle racing for this motorcycle-crazy nation. But Carlos could only finish eighth overall in 1997 posting three second-place finishes.

He won in Madrid in 1998, but again only managed fourth overall in the World Championship standings. This prompted a switch to Yamaha for 1999 but he never scored a victory for that manufacturer in seven seasons before he was recruited by Ducati for the 2006 season.

Now back in the Honda fold in a highly focussed one-rider team this could be the year when all that experience comes to fruition for a man who does not qualify too well, but always makes the most of a race.

Likeable, relaxed and yet highly charged when anywhere near a motorcycle, Carlos cuts a familiar figure in the pitlane. This season he could easily be a familiar figure on the podium with Honda power behind him.