Rossi wants strong end to year

There are still three races to go this season, and Rossi said that one of the positives about the championship battle being over is that he does not have to worry about hanging on to his slim title chances anymore.

"It's a pity that we couldn't keep the championship alive a bit longer," said Rossi, "but we have no pressure now.

"We will just take it race by race and try to win all three. We had a good test after Motegi and we found some things that we hope will help us for the final three races.

"Our championship is over, but we still want to win and find a way to finish the season in a good way."

Yamaha team boss Davide Brivio added that while Rossi's second place in the championship is not yet secured, the team will take an aggressive approach to the end of the season.

"I think it will be an interesting end to the season for us because we have nothing to lose," said Brivio. "The motivation to win races remains just as strong regardless of the situation in the championship."