Stoner adamant Ducati can shine

The Australian rider has made the most of his bike's impressive top speed in the first part of the season, but he could face a tougher challenge this weekend, with the Le Mans circuit not having any long straights.

Stoner, however, says his Ducati has gone well at circuits like Istanbul and Jerez, and he is adamant that he will be able to get a good result this weekend.

"We didn't have any advantage in Turkey, we didn't have any advantage in Jerez and still the Ducati performed excellently," Stoner told a news conference on Thursday.

"I think we don't need those tracks with big, long straights for the Ducati to do well."

Stoner, winner of three of the first four races of the season, has never finished higher than fourth at the French circuit.

He has finished in that position in all three categories over the years, but he is hopeful he will be able to break his podium duck this weekend.

"I don't know how many years it's been, but I think in all but one I've ended up in fourth place here, so it's been a little bit frustrating I suppose," the Australian added.

"But we've always been quite fast at this track so I'm hoping this weekend we can continue that speed.

"I think myself, my machinery, my tyres have improved this year, so this should improve our chances of improving our position in the race."

Stoner is leading the championship by 15 points from Yamaha rival Valentino Rossi, who will be counting on Michelin in a home race for Yamaha's tyre partner.

Rossi has a score to settle in Le Mans following last year's race, where he led clearly before he was be robbed of victory by an engine problem.