This years MOTO GP tour has emulated the Formula One tour to an extent – one or two riders dominating the sport with the rest of the field fighting for minor places. Casey Stoner has already taken the rider’s championship while Honda has well and truly secured the manufacturer’s title. The remaining races this year are all about pride, and establishing a name for the 2012 season.

For punters, the real danger is in the intent of the leading riders. Stoner, for example, would love to win the remaining races. However, with the rider’s championship already tied up, he won’t be taking any unnecessary risks. We saw in the last race how one small fall can cost a rider the rest of the season – and a few fingertips (ouch). If Stoner backs off at all, then the lesser riders will quickly take advantage and perhaps steal a win or two.

Today’s MOTO GP is being raced in Malaysia and the one response coming from all riders is – it’s uncomfortable. The weather is hot and steamy which wouldn’t make it too comfortable inside those leathers. There is also a lot of heat coming up off the track, and this is effecting both the riders and their bikes tyres. This race will not be as predictable as many of the others.

Bookmakers have Dani Pedrosa the even money favourite in MOTO GP betting to win today, based mainly on his fast qualifying times. Casey Stoner is second pick at 6/4 with the next best, Andrea Dovizioso, out to 12/1. The rest of the field are 20/1 or longer, however, I wouldn’t be put off by those odds – in fact, they could work in our favour.

Punters and bookmakers are concentrating on the top two, and while Pedrosa is trying to make a point by beating the new world champion (Stoner), we feel that other riders could capitalize. We’re tipping Marco Simoncelli at 20/1 to slip through for a win while also backing Andrea Dovizioso at 12/1. At level stakes, you’ll still make a good profit should either win.