Ezpeleta denies pressuring Bridgestone

There had been speculation in Malaysia that the championship's rights-holder had told Bridgestone that providing Rossi with its tyres was the only way to avert a switch to control tyres next season.

Rossi has openly admitted requesting Bridgestone tyres for next season after being disappointed with Michelin's performance during 2007. A deal for Yamaha to run Rossi's bike on Bridgestones - while his teammates stay with Michelin - is believed to have now been agreed.

But while Ezpeleta admitted that he had put Rossi's case to Bridgestone, he insisted that it was just a small part of a wider conversation about regulation changes that could make the tyre war more open.

"We talked principally about the possibility to increase the number of tyres (allowed per weekend) and to change the rules to make the championship more competitive," he told BBC television.

"Also I asked about that (Rossi getting Bridgestones), but I have done that many times for many riders, it is not a special thing."

He was adamant that the request for Bridgestones for Rossi was completely unrelated to the decision over future tyre rules.

"No, no, no. We are not waiting for this," Ezpeleta insisted. "We are waiting for an answer on the number of tyres (per weekend) and the number of tests we can do during the season.

"The dependant matter for this week is just to confirm to increase the number of tyres and different tests.

"The question of Valentino (and Bridgestone) has been asked, and I hope they will arrive at an agreement, but it's not the deciding matter for the one tyre rule."

Dorna had floated the idea of switching to control tyres for next season after complaints that Bridgestone's mid-season superiority had led to a run of dull races.

Ezpeleta is optimistic that the whole situation will be concluded by the end of next week.

"I think normally everything will be resolved well," he said. "Until it is completely resolved, we cannot withdraw the (prospect of) one tyre rules, but I think this will happen - if everything is okay - next week."

He was reluctant to comment about rumours that Rossi would walk away from the series if Bridgestone did not provide tyres for him.

"This is something to ask Valentino," said Ezpeleta.

"He is very important for the championship, and one day he will retire.

"I cannot pressure anybody to say 'you do that with this'. But I'm asking for tyres, for bikes, for many things, for many riders. It's my duty and I'm doing that."