Rossi keen to bounce back quickly

The Italian's title chances suffered a dent after he crashed out at the Sachsenring early on, which allowed championship rival Casey Stoner to open up a 32-point gap in the riders' standings.

And that result, allied to his retirement from the United States Grand Prix last year, has left him doubly keen to take revenge this time out.

"Laguna was a great disappointment for me last year because I wasn't able to finish," said Rossi. "I have never won there and after the disappointment of Germany I am determined to do so this time.

"I'm really glad we have such a short time between races because there's no time to dwell on what happened on Sunday, we just have to focus on Laguna Seca.

"With the way that our bike and tyres are working now, I think we have a great potential there. It's a great place to race and I think if they've made the improvements we hope to the track then it will be a good weekend.

"The championship is long and the important thing is to get as many points as possible from every race and arrive at the end still fighting."

Teammate Colin Edwards finished second at Laguna Seca in 2005 and, after his confidence boosting fourth placed finish in Germany last weekend, he also has his sights set on victory.

"Germany turned into a really good weekend for us and I was very happy with the performance of my bike in the end - especially the tyres," he said.

"Fourth place at a track I don't like has given me a lot of confidence for Laguna Seca, a place I love, and it's good to go there on a roll. It's my home race and I've got lots of friends and family coming down to add to the support of a few fans, I hope!

"Last year I was pretty sick on race day and it wasn't a good experience but this time I'm feeling in great shape and I'm determined to go one step higher than in 2005.

"I know the track better than anyone and the fans always give me a real boost so I'll be giving it my all from Friday morning."