Max Biaggi: Lorenzo favourite, but beware Stoner

World Superbike Champion Max Biaggi says he will place his bets on Jorge Lorenzo for the 2011 MotoGP World Championship title, though he is refusing to rule out Casey Stoner on the Honda.

Biaggi, who quit the premier motorcycling series in 2005 after eight seasons and thirteen race wins, applauded Lorenzo for his dominant turn aboard the FIAT Yamaha this season and expects him to display a similar level of authority next year.

Even so, MotoGP heads into new territory next season with several high-profile moves, in particular Stoner, whose impressive performance on the Honda during post-season testing suggests his transition from Ducati is proving seamless.

As for Biaggi's infamous foe Valentino Rossi on the Ducati, though the Gazetta dello Sport interview question drops his name as a potential title contender in 2011, the 'Roman Emperor' doesn't even mention him.

"Lorenzo had an outstanding season and did a great job - it was really good. I am convinced that he will be the man to beat again next year. But beware Stoner..."