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If you are involved in the motorcycle racing world currently, it's only a matter of a few minutes before any and each conversation gets brought round to the whole Troy Bayliss v Valentino Rossi proposed race.

I say proposed because, in reality, I am not that sure it will happen (partly because there are some huge amounts of money at stake here if it all goes wrong for Rossi and partly because it'd just be so very exciting if it does that I don't want to get my hopes up too much), even given Bayliss' playful comments earlier in the week.

In some quarters, Troy has been attributed with the quote that he would want a million to race against Rossi. He wouldn't get that of course, and knowing Troy it's just him playing around with an idea and seeing what sort of bites he gets on his freshly-baited racing hook, but the fact that he's saying these things really keeps the winter-embers of what would be one of the greatest events in two-wheeled racing history warm enough.

But there is another part of the WSB paddock that would be aching for it to happen. One other rider out there who would give his back teeth for another pop at Valentino in the heat of competition - and that's Max Biaggi.

When Valentino was making his name in the 125 and 250cc GP classes, it was the like of Max and Loris Capirossi who were the Italian daddies of the premier classes. And while, over the years, Loris made way for the tour de force that was Rossi, Max held on and butted heads with the youngster.

The pair were locked in a bitter fight for years, both on and off track. Between them there were some memorable performances from each, and some tough fights that stripped each other of any niceties during the events. It was bitter at times, each taking the scrap brutally to the other when they were pushed into a corner.

So when, if, this race between Rossi and Bayliss does actually happen it will be interesting for all the more reasons than just the two of them alone. Waiting in the wings, focussing everything he has on one last battle with the man who became his nemesis will be Max Biaggi. And that could be where the real sparks will come from.

If it all goes ahead.

Tony Carter / Eurosport