Rossi out to end win drought in Portugal

The seven-time champion has not been on the top step of the podium in six races, his longest win-less streak since joining the top category in 2000.

Rossi will return to the scene of his last victory this weekend and, having finished in second place in the last race in Jerez, the Italian is eager to put an end to his drought at Estoril.

"Estoril last year was a great race; it was a fantastically close battle with Pedrosa and one of the high points of the season for us. It's also the last time I won a race and I hope that this is something we can repeat again this time," said Rossi.

"Jerez was a very important race for us, second place in just our second race with Bridgestone and following the difficult result in Qatar it was very important, plus it gave confidence to everyone involved that our package is really coming together.

" Our bike was very strong and our tyres worked well until the end, then on Monday we had a test and were able to make some more important steps forward with Bridgestone.

"We have been working step by step but everyone is very focused and motivated and confidence is running high. Hopefully we are now ready to fight for the win."

Teammate Jorge Lorenzo will be racing for the first time on a track where he hasn't tested before with a MotoGP bike.

The Spaniard, who has enjoyed a sensational debut in his first two races, says his goal for the season is still to learn as much as possible.

"I am feeling very happy at this early stage of the season; we have had two podiums and two pole positions in my first two MotoGP races," said Lorenzo. "Of course I would like to have won in Jerez, but I think is too early to be worrying about victories, we are working a lot and progressing very well and this is the most important thing.

"The test in Jerez was very good and it seems that all the changes we're making to the M1 are bringing positive results; I hope every test will be as good! In Estoril last year I was third and very close to my second championship, so it was an exciting time for me.

"It's the first track I've raced at this year at which I haven't tested, so it's going to be a new challenge and I will need to adapt on Friday with my team and go step by step from there. Once again however my aim for the race remains the same; to learn, enjoy, improve and do my very best once again."