Rossi out to keep momentum at Misano

The championship leader has won the last two races in the United States and the Czech Republic to increase his lead to 50 points over Ducati rival Casey Stoner with just six races remaining.

Yamaha rider Rossi is adamant his team arrive in Misano in strong form following the latest results, and the Italian is aiming to shine again at home.

"It's always very special, because I'm very close to my house," Rossi told a news conference on Thursday.

"We arrive in good shape, having demonstrated our speed in the last races.

"The target is to try to continue with this level in the next races," added the Italian, who is aiming to bounce back from a disappointing race at Misano last year.

The seven-time champion, in need of a good result when he arrived in the race last season, retired from the event with an engine problem after just three laps.

"It was very disappointing. I remember it as one of the most difficult periods of my career," said Rossi of last year's race.

"So this year we'll try to do better."