Stoner not planning to change approach

The Ducati Marlboro rider saw his advantage in the standings cut to 21 points when Rossi took a crucial victory at Assen two weeks ago, but he is adamant that he is still taking each race as it comes.

"I'm still in the honeymoon period," Stoner told autosport.com ahead of this weekend's German Grand Prix. "The last four races we have made the same amount of points (as Rossi).

"I didn't lose anything to him, so we lost some, we gained some, we lost some, and we gained some.

"It is just going like that at the moment, and it would be nice to think we can keep up this sort of form during the season. I only missed out on two podiums so far this year, so it is unbelievable."

Stoner has so far eluded thinking about winning the MotoGP championship, and has reiterated once again that he has already achieved more than enough this year to make him happy.

"I cannot complain about this season," he said. "As I've said over and over, this is my dream to be where I am at the moment. The season I have had has been brilliant.

"If we haven't won we've been on the podium or close to the podium, which is the best result I was getting last year. If we win or lose we are doing the best job we can, that is all we can do.

"And whether we end up on top at the end of the season or not, I think we have done a great season so far and we should be proud of what we have done."