Rossi relaxed ahead of first 'match point'

The Italian only needs to finish third at Motegi to clinch the title, regardless of where his rivals, Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa, finish and says that takes the pressure off him.

"We have the first match point here at Motegi and for sure I will try," he said. "I will concentrate and work like the other Grands Prix this year.

"But with the 87-point advantage it is possible that I have less pressure for the race, so it's possible to start the weekend relaxed.

"If I work well tomorrow and Saturday, and have a good bike and a good tyre for Sunday, then I can decide what to do in the race."

Rossi is also waiting to see how the Bridgestone and Michelin tyres will shape up against each other at the former's home race.

"We have to see the balance between them," he added. "In the past it was a very good circuit for Bridgestone, but last year I remember me and (Dani) Pedrosa were a little faster on the Michelins, so we will have to see how it is this year."