Rossi says title is still out of reach

Casey Stoner could have clinched this year's championship in Portugal, but instead saw Rossi reduce his series lead to 76 points.

With 100 points available in the remaining four rounds, Rossi still has an outside chance of overhauling the Ducati rider, but he admitted that his only realistic aim is to delay Stoner's coronation. Rossi must out-score Stoner by two points at Motegi this weekend to keep the title battle open until Phillip Island.

"We're not thinking of the championship, we know it's probably out of our reach, but we can do the best we can to try to keep it open for as long as possible and this will be our goal next week," said Rossi.

Ducati have won at Motegi for the past two years with Loris Capirossi, and are expected to benefit from being on their tyre supplier Bridgestone's home ground.

But Rossi and Yamaha have been buoyed by their Estoril win, and believe they can end Ducati's run of success at the Japanese track.

"Portugal was a great, great race and it was fantastic to win again after so long," said Rossi.

"Now we go straight to Motegi and the motivation and confidence within the team is very high.

"We know that our rivals are always very strong in Motegi and we expect the same from Stoner this year, but I've never won there with Yamaha so I will be doing my best to change that this week.

"Our top speed is much better with the new engine, our tyres worked well in Portugal and now we hope we have the same situation again in Japan."

While Rossi ended a run of miserable races with his Estoril win, his teammate Colin Edwards' difficult season did not improve in Portugal, where he struggled to 10th place.

With only four rounds remaining before he leaves the factory Fiat Yamaha team for his anticipated switch to the satellite Tech 3 squad, the American is determined to improve his form at Motegi.

"To finish tenth at Estoril, one of my favourite tracks, was really demoralising but at least we don't have time to dwell on it," said Edwards.

"I've never had a great race at Motegi but this has got to be the right time to turn that around. We had a really good test there last year so with any luck some of that data will help us out this year.

"We're just going to have to get our heads down from day one and get on with it. Time is running out and I want to get back on that podium before the end of the season."