Rossi warns rivals about Yamaha form

The Italian was pipped to the 2006 title by Honda's Nicky Hayden, but feels that his team are in much better shape heading into the new season than they were this time last year.

"I think we must be feared because we've transformed the sour taste of a defeat at the last race into a great motivation," he was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport at today's official Yamaha launch.

"We are confident and concentrated, we'll be very strong.

"The bike is enjoyable to ride and is incredibly quick. The design is one and we don't need to patch it anymore like in 2006. We have been competitive on every track during winter testing.

"It's too early to feel like winners; it will be a tough fight, but we're ready for it."

Rossi has again singled out Hayden's teammate Dani Pedrosa as his main challenger for the crown - although admits there remains some minor concerns about Michelin's race pace.

"The main rivals? Everyone, but certainly Pedrosa and Honda more than the rest. The rivals on Bridgestone perhaps still have some problems.

"The only thing that still needs some sorting out for us is the race tyres from Michelin, as they aren't at their best yet. We have given them lots of data, now we hope they'll bring us some good material in Qatar."