Rossi confident for Mugello after important test

Focusing mainly on working with Bridgestone during his two day stay in Le Mans, following his sensational Alice Grand Prix de France triumph, Valentino Rossi concentrated on qualifiers on Monday and race tyres on Tuesday, with his findings boosting his already buoyant confidence levels.

The Italian has never doubted his own ability over the past two inconsistent and fruitless seasons, but the current competitiveness of his Yamaha M1 and his blossoming relationship with Bridgestone mean he is looking particularly strong at present.

Hoping to maintain the momentum of successive victories at Shanghai and Le Mans in his home race at round six in Italy next time out, Rossi hopes apply more pressure on his rivals at Mugello by starting on pole for the first time with Bridgestone, having seen Michelin riders take a clean sweep of five straight poles thus far in 2008.

The Doctor told motogp.com about the focus of his Monday test workout, `I used a lot of qualifiers because it is one of the main targets for us. They brought some new stuff for us, to try to improve. We want to fight with Michelin for pole position. We found some good tyres, better than what we had at the weekend, so we feel confident for Mugello.´

Talking in general about the Le Mans post-GP practice, he added, `We haven´t had any new parts from Yamaha but we have worked a lot on qualifiers and also on some new race tyres. We have also worked on the electronics to have a better traction control system and acceleration and a better engine braking system.´

Asked what, if anything, he would improve on his current Yamaha 800cc prototype, Rossi answered, `I´m happy with the M1, though I think now we need to concentrate on the engine, in order to have more power but with the same drive-ability. They are working on it already in Japan so we just have to wait for the development.´

As the Fiat Yamaha team departed from France at the end of a highly positive visit, Rossi´s team manager Davide Brivio commented, `The next eight weeks brings six races in close succession and we need to be at the top of our game. Valentino did a very good time with a race tyre this afternoon (Tuesday) so it´s clear we´re working well, and now we´re leaving Le Mans with some great memories and with everyone feeling positive and motivated for the busiest stage of the season.´