Rossi expecting Stoner charge at Brno

The Italian went into the four-week summer break with a 25-point lead in the championship after defeating Stoner in a wheel-to-wheel battle at Laguna Seca. But Stoner had won three races in a row before that and Rossi expects the Ducati rider to be difficult to beat again.

"I know that Brno is going to be hard and that Casey will be a formidable competitor once again," he said. "We're going to have to work at the maximum from the first practice in order not to lose any time in finding out the right set-up for our bike.

"We have seven races left and I am dreaming of them all being as fun as Laguna Seca."

Although Rossi has had a tough time in the Czech Grand Prix recenly, he hopes his switch to Bridgestone tyres this year will change his fortune this season.

"Last year we had a bad time at Brno, however we're going there in a very different frame of mind - leading the championship, following a great win, and with our bike and tyres working well.

"I've had a good summer break and I'm really looking forward to going racing again."