Melandri determined to help Gresini

The Italian rider, currently in fifth place in the standings, was confirmed as Casey Stoner's teammate for the 2008 season last weekend at Laguna Seca.

"I will be at Ducati for the next two years, but until the end of the season I will have the maximum respect for Fausto Gresini's team," Melandri told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I want to finish in the best possible way and leave a good memory, because Fausto has been very good to me."

Melandri also said he has no intention to help his future teammate this year.

"It's a pointless issue: I will fight at the maximum for Gresini, since I'm paid by him," he added.

The Honda Gresini rider is not ruling out finishing in the top three in this year's championship, despite being 42 points behind Spaniard Dani Pedrosa.

"I'm not in such a bad position in the championship. It will be tough to end up in the top three, but I can fight," the Italian added.

"In the first half of the season I fought for the points-paying positions, while now I hope to fight for the podiums or thereabout.

"I want to give the best of me every Sunday and I can't leave in fear of this or that happening to me."