Brivio: Ducati tough to beat all year

Ducati's straightline speed played a large role in Casey Stoner's victories in Qatar, Turkey and China - all modern circuit designs with extremely long straights - and Valentino Rossi hoped that the return to more traditional European tracks for the next part of the season would help Yamaha.

But Brivio is concerned that there are still many circuits where Ducati will be tough to beat.

"After Qatar we've improved the bike a bit and the engine goes a bit quicker but still not enough," he told Italia1 television.

"Thankfully not all straights are like this one, but then we'll go to Mugello and Barcelona where we might be in the same situation.

"We need to work and it's not easy. Well, it would be easier if we could increase a bit the engine revs, but then we'd consume too much fuel.

"We aren't able to do that, so we'll now try to find a solution. We need to work to try to put Valentino in the best position."

Brivio added that Ducati's speed was not just down to their straightline advantage.

"The Ducati package has improved greatly this year and it's absolutely competitive and strong, there are no doubts," he said.

"They've improved the set-up of the bike, their tyres, and there's no point talking about their engine because everyone can see how it is.

"So they will be tough everywhere and Stoner is in great shape, and after having won three races he will be so charged.

"They're competitive everywhere, but Valentino and Yamaha can fight and hope to win races if the straight is a bit shorter."

Rossi finished second in China after running wide in a bid to pass Stoner with six laps to go.