2011 MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner (Photo: Dorna Communications)

Despite his form, however, Stoner refuses to allow himself to get too overconfident.

"It is always possible to have a season like 2011, but also one of my rivals could do that. I'll have my guard up and try and win as many races as I can -- the more you win the less my rivals win and therefore I'll have a better chance at the championship.

"It is important to stay consistent like last year but it will be hard work. To have a season like last year would be pretty special."

With Valentino Rossi and Ducati still in search of the speed that will make them podium contenders after a winless 2011, the preseason form clearly points to Lorenzo and Stoner's Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa being the main title threats.

"On our best days I think Jorge and I probably do have that little edge," Stoner said. "But as we saw last year Dani can still be extremely fast, and depending how they feel, some of the others guys are also up front. I won't be taking anyone for granted.

"But Jorge and myself are there every week, we are always getting the podiums and the good results, and doing that is how you fight for championships.

"If Dani can run closer to the front when the weather conditions are not perfect and be consistent then he can fight for the title. He can be a big, big threat.

"But almost every year with Dani there has been another factor, either an injury or a slump and he has lost points been out of contention."

One thing that won't be slowing Stoner down is the arrival of his new baby daughter, Alessandra, who was born mid-February.

Stoner says he will have no trouble separating his happy family life from his racing mindset. He ended the preseason by again posting the fastest time at final test at Jerez in Spain just last week.

As the curtain goes up in Qatar for the opening race Stoner starts the new season as he ended last year -- the man to beat in MotoGP.