Rossi not thinking of the title yet

The Yamaha rider is leading by 11 points from Honda's Dani Pedrosa following the first eight races of the season.

Rossi arrives at Assen as one of the hot favourites after last year's victory on a track where he has been victorious six times, four in the top category.

"Every race is important this year, because the championship is so tight," Rossi told a news conference in Assen.

"After this we go to two difficult tracks for me, especially last year, but now we have different tyres so we expect a different result in Sachsenring and Laguna.

"But the important is to take the season step by step and concentrate in Assen and try to do a good job."

The seven-time champion reckons the Dutch circuit should suit his bike well, although it will be the first time he races there with Bridgestone tyres.

"Now the circuit is quite different, but it's always good for the Yamaha, so we expect a good feeling from the bike. For sure we have to use new settings for the Bridgestone tyres," added Rossi, second in British Grand Prix last weekend.

"Two races in a row is difficult for sure, but it looks like the weather is a bit better compared to Donington. It's hotter, and this is better for the tyres and for the feeling."

The Italian admitted the historic circuit is now not so special following the changes it underwent before last year's race.

"Assen in the past was a fantastic circuit. So different compared to the normal circuits. The race track was very narrow. It was maybe quite dangerous but a fantastic feeling from the bike.

"Now unfortunately it's a little bit more normal, but anyway, especially the second part after the straight is quite similar, and the last part is exactly the same so it's always good to ride the bike here."