Toni Elias was, like De Angelis, on his way to another long GP career. Having started full time in 1999 and finished third in both 125cc (2001) and 250cc (2003) seasons, Elias would claim his first world title in Moto2’s debut year, 2010.

Future WSBK champ Sylvain Guintoli was Elias’ teammate. Notice the Dainese leathers rebranded as Puma.

After five seasons with Ducati, Loris Capirossi joined Suzuki in 2008 alongside Chris Vermeulen. I don’t know when it started, but I never saw Capirossi ride without those extra-thick pads over the backs of his hands. I’d heard his hands had taken so much punishment over the years that they needed that extra protection.

Casey Stoner was king and reigning champ, having won the previous three races when we arrived at Laguna Seca.

Wearing 48 for his first premier class season, Jorge Lorenzo was the hottest rookie in MotoGP, having claimed Pole Position in the first three races and four podiums out of the first five races, including a win at Estoril. He crashed out of the race at Laguna Seca with a spectacular high side at Turn 5.

On the next page, Spies, Stoner, Rossi, and Stoner and Rossi: