Brivio expects 'big reaction' from Yamaha

Italian manufacturer Ducati, using Bridgestone tyres, has dominated this year thanks to Casey Stoner, who has scored eight victories and who looks set to clinch the title. The Australian is 85 points ahead of Valentino Rossi with five races to go.

Seven-time champions Rossi has won only three times this year.

Brivio reckons Ducati's approach to the new regulations has been better than the Japanese teams', but he is optimistic Yamaha and Michelin will bounce back next year.

"Ducati have been more aggressive than anyone else in their approach to the 800cc project," Brivio told Gazzetta dello Sport. "The Japanese were late: only in March, at Losail, at the first race of the season, they took notice of Ducati's progresses.

"I hope that in two week's time in Japan, before the GP at Motegi, there will be a big meeting at Yamaha to organize the counteroffensive. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki have a lot of hard work ahead of them to close the gap.

"With the current technical situation, it's very tough to compete with Ducati. At Yamaha we also have the tyre problem that gives us even more trouble. Maybe we made a mistake in accepting the new tyre regulations, but we had no choice.

"We'll work on the engine. The engineers at Yamaha have promised to try to improve the situation, and we have faith in them. I expect a big reaction from Yamaha and Michelin.

"Despite the difficulties this season, the faith in Michelin doesn't change: we are convinced it can overturn the situation against Bridgestone."