With no Britons competing in the top class this season, the main focus of interest for British fans will be the 125cc class, where 19-year-old Bradley Smith starts the season as favourite for the title, having finished runner-up last season.
Beattie, who joined Stoke from Sheffield United in the January transfer window last season, became a big favourite at the club when his seven goals during last season's run-in played a significant part in keeping the Potters in the Premier League.