Rossi sure he can win another title

The Italian finished third overall in the standings last year, in a season dominated by Casey Stoner on the Ducati.

And although Rossi admits he has questioned whether he feels he can add to his tally of seven world titles, he is convinced that he still has what it takes to be number one.

"Sure, there is no doubt about this - all riders when they don't win anymore or don't win a lot ask themselves the question: 'will I be able to win again?'" he told Motor Cycle News.

"For me the answer is yes, because I hope to win the world title again. I really want to get it again."

Rossi claims the threat from young rivals Stoner and Dani Pedrosa is greater than that posed by former title contenders Max Biaggi and Sete Gibernau.

"The rivals now are better than in the past," he said. "Biaggi and Gibernau were very strong riders, but today Stoner and Pedrosa are of a new generation and they are stronger.

"I am in the middle of the two generations. I don't feel worse than in the past and I still think I am very fast. But I need everything to be in the right place. My rivals are very strong and you can't give them an inch."