Australian MotoGP rider Casey Stoner is confident of challenging for this year's championship after overcoming the illness that plagued his 2009 campaign.
Stoner started last year in fine form with two wins in the first five races but his season derailed after a mysterious illness forced him out of three races.
He recovered and finished the year in style with two victories and a second place and the 2007 world champion is ready for the new season after enjoying an injury-free off-season.
"I'm fine and I feel great," he said. "I've been asked the same question pretty much every day since last October, which is obviously understandable, but I'm happy to reiterate that everything is okay."
"The lactose-free diet I'm following is proving to be effective and this is the first winter in three years that I've been able to train without any operations or injuries so that has been a great help."
"I feel we're ready for next season, also because the test we did at Valencia following the final race of 2009 was really positive. The new 'big bang' firing order that the Ducati engineers have been working on is definitely a step forward: it has improved traction and handling and it has reduced the bike's tendency to wheelie."
"The objective for 2010 is to win, as it is for everybody of course, but whether or not we manage it the most important thing is that we give it our best shot and I feel we can do that now."
Stoner is expecting a similar title race to last year with defending champion Valentino Rossi the man to beat and also Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa to be up in the running.
He is also predicting a big year from team-mate Nicky Hayden after the American struggled in his debut season with Ducati.
"There are a few standout rivals for this season: Valentino Rossi is still the man to beat because he is the world champion and he's an extraordinary rider. Lorenzo and Dani will also be there – they are both fast and I'm sure their motivation is higher than ever," he said.
"I'm also sure Nicky will have plenty to celebrate this year – he had a difficult and unlucky first season with the team but he improved a lot towards the end and he was on the pace. I'd be happy for him because we have a great relationship and I think it is unusual to have an atmosphere in the garage like the one we have."
The season begins on April 11 in Qatar where Stoner will be shooting for his fourth consecutive victory at the Losail Circuit.