Rossi: return to Europe will help Yamaha

Rossi has won only once this season in Spain, while Ducati rival Casey Stoner has scored three wins, taking full advantage of his GP7's superior speed to take the championship lead.

But MotoGP returns to Europe this week for the French Grand Prix at Le Mans, and Rossi believes his bike will be better suited for the upcoming races.

The Italian is looking to settle the score in France, after he lost what looked like a certain victory last year due to engine problems.

"I definitely have a score to settle at Le Mans after what happened last year, when I should have won the race," said Rossi. "Anyway, everything is different now and I'm very determined and looking forward to this next race. Our Yamaha has always gone well there and until the problem of last year it was really flying.

"I'm very happy to go back to Europe and this next run of races is over some of my favourite tracks, where I know I'm always strong. It's a very busy time with seven races in just over two months but it's also a key part of the championship and I'm ready to race at 100%.

"China was encouraging for us because our bike worked perfectly in qualifying and then also in the race, when we expected more problems. I think our bike is very, very good and although we lack a little bit of top speed this won't be such a problem at the next few circuits as it was in China. I think we're in good shape."

Teammate Colin Edwards, meanwhile, is hoping to bounce back following two disappointing races in Turkey and China.

The Texan retired from the Turkish Grand Prix after being involved in an accident and finished down in 11th position in China last week.

"China was really gutting for me - after the way my bike worked on Saturday for qualifying I really had my hopes up and it was devastating not to be able to fulfil my potential", said Edwards. "I honestly believe our bike is the best one out there and now I just want to get to Le Mans and prove it.

"We know we go well there so I'm really hoping I can get back on the podium. We didn't have the right tyre in China but Le Mans is 'home ground' for Michelin and we've done a lot of testing there over the last couple of years, which will hopefully help.

"This is always the busiest and most intense part of the season with no time to rest and building up to what is the biggest race of the year for me in Laguna Seca. My target is to arrive there with several podiums under my belt and in a strong position in the championship."