Rossi hints he will stay at Yamaha

The seven-time world champion, who last won the title in 2005, had threatened to walk away from the Japanese team at the end of his current contract if their bike did not prove competitive enough.

Rossi's current deal expires at the end of this year.

"Let's see how this devilish engine improves. If it improves then we can wait one more year. If there's nothing to do, amen. I have a good relationship with both, but I'd certainly like Ducati because they're Italian," Rossi said in November last year.

But the Italian has enjoyed a strong start to the 2008 season, with three podiums in the last three races, including victory in the Shanghai race on Sunday.

Rossi suggested Yamaha's form is likely to make any decisions about his future easier.

"After the engine failure at Valencia (in 2007) I was very clear, threatening I would leave if the bike didn't become competitive," Rossi was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It looks like they got the message and Yamaha are showing that if they put in the effort they can do very well.

"Having seen the results, I will probably decide my future soon."

The Italian admitted he was relieved to return to the top step of the podium, not having won since last year's race in Portugal.

"When you don't win, everything becomes more difficult," he said. "It's certainly been a difficult period. I missed winning because the feeling you get when taking the chequered flag in first place is unique. Only when you win you feel you've done your job in the best possible way."

He added: "Everyone expected me to be super quick from the start. We needed some time to adapt the M1 to the tyres, but after some difficulties at the beginning, this marvellous victory in China has arrived.

"It was really nice, because with the Bridgestones I was able to ride quick from the first to the last lap, with a fantastic front and with great confidence."

The Yamaha rider said that, despite his win-less streak, he never doubted moving to Bridgestone was the right choice for him.

"No. I knew that, sooner or later, we would be competitive and, most of all, I had lost faith in Michelin.

"With Bridgestone you always know what you have at your disposal. For sure the two tyre manufacturers are closer in performance this year, but with the great disparity in 2007, I didn't feel like risking again.

"I needed a change and new motivations. Michelin obviously is doing everything to prove I was wrong."

And the Italian, nine points behind Honda's Dani Pedrosa in the standings, has warned not to rule out world champion Casey Stoner yet, despite the Ducati rider's problems since his win in the season opener.

"Careful not to consider him finished. He probably chose the wrong tyre here, but he did a good race nevertheless. For sure the Ducati is strong, but this year Yamaha and Honda have improved massively."