Rossi: I will not race to finish second

The Yamaha rider is 50 points ahead of Stoner with just six races left, and the Australian said on Thursday that it would be nearly impossible to catch Rossi.

The Italian does not need to win any more races until the end of the season to clinch his eighth crown.

But Rossi said on Friday that he will continue to fight Stoner, as he reckons there is still a long way to go before the end of the season.

"I have a good advantage but for me it's too early to make this decision, to race for second place," Rossi told reporters after practice on Friday.

"First because racing for second place is always unlucky and second because there are six races to the end and not just two.

"We have to work like in the last races and try to beat Casey and fight with him.

"There is a long way to the end. And I think at this race there will be some more riders who will be able to stay close to me and Stoner."

Rossi, second quickest to Stoner in Friday's practice at Misano, admitted he will need to improve his bike if he is to match his Ducati rival this weekend.

"To try to repeat what we did in Laguna we have to improve the settings, because at some parts of the track I'm not fast enough, especially in the last part," he added.

"We have to improve tomorrow and try to get into the 1:34s and after that we'll see for the race."