Stoner gunning for victory at Mugello

The Ducati rider will arrive in Italy with a 21-point lead over Yamaha rival and local hero Valentino Rossi following the first five races of the season.

Mugello is another circuit that is likely to benefit the impressive top speed of Ducati's GP7 bike thanks its long main straight, and Stoner is adamant the team will be strong enough to fight for victory.

The Australian, however, admits he will face tough competition from the local riders, including his teammate Loris Capirossi.

"Mugello is one of my favourite tracks. We've had some pretty good results there, including my first-ever pole position and I've made the podium in 125s," said Stoner in a team preview.

"I think the bike is going to be really strong, the track's got a nice main straight which helps and some nice fast and flowing corners which the Ducati should like, so we should be able to do all right.

"It would be a nice one to win but it's going to be really tough work beating Loris and the rest of the Italian riders. But I feel we're fast enough, the Ducati and the Bridgestones are going really well and if we can find the right settings we'll be there."