Stoner targets repeat Laguna win

"The race at Laguna last year really was fantastic and it would be amazing to be able to repeat that but we know this will be very difficult," said Stoner, winner at the American track last season.

"We have to believe in it though and keep pushing as hard as we can to close this championship down.

"It's a nice place and in general I like racing in America because the public and the fans you meet in the paddock are great - always really pleasant, polite and supportive of all the riders. The track is really nice too, it's great fun but also very demanding with so many elevation changes and tough corners.

"I like it because it feels 'natural' - it follows the lay of the land and isn't one of those circuits that was designed on a computer. Hopefully we can start out well and get a good set-up again from Friday," added the Australian.

Stoner has won the last three races from pole position to revive his championship hopes after a difficult first part of the season.

The Ducati rider is now 20 points behind championship leader Valentino Rossi.

Teammate Marco Melandri admitted he is going to Laguna Seca in a more confident mood after a better showing in the last race in Germany.

"I really like Laguna Seca. It is a short track that barely gives you chance to catch your breath and it is very technical, with some really fast corners mixed with some slower ones," Melandri said. "The Corkscrew is probably one of the most famous corners in the world although in reality it is not so crucial to the lap time.

"It is unusual though and very beautiful: there is no other corner as exciting as that in the world. I think the circuit as a whole is one of the most fun on the calendar and the atmosphere is great, it's really special. I have always been fascinated with America and I always look forward to going there.

"I go there this time in better spirits because I know that the progress we made in Germany can carry through to here."