Pedrosa says Rossi favourite for Jerez

"For Jerez he is (the favourite)," Pedrosa told reporters at Barcelona on Wednesday. "He has also won several times there.

"And regarding the championship, maybe he is the favourite too because he is more experienced and the most consistent."

Seven-time world champion Rossi, seen as favourite before the start of the season, was upstaged by Ducati rider Casey Stoner in the first race in Qatar.

The Italian, who last year lost his crown to American Nicky Hayden, had to settle for third place as Stoner took full advantage of the Ducati's superior power to score his maiden win in MotoGP.

Pedrosa, who finished in third place in Qatar, believes the Ducatis will lose their the edge in Jerez.

Rossi has won four times at Jerez in MotoGP.

"Jerez is a circuit that favours the Yamahas, because the bike has good traction and the tyres work very well," added the Spaniard. "The Ducatis will not have the advantage they had in Qatar."

Pedrosa believes this year's championship will be more open, with several riders opting for the title.

Speaking about the favourites for 2007, the Honda rider said: "I'm no fortune teller, but I guess apart from the three riders who were on the podium in Qatar, we should add Capirossi, Hayden, Melandri and maybe the Suzuki riders."