Yamaha optimistic it can get back to winning ways at Mugello

Although Casey Stoner's crash on the final lap of last weekend's German Grand Prix left Yamaha team leader Jorge Lorenzo in a stronger championship position despite Dani Pedrosa defeating him in the race, the 2010 champion is keen to make up for the frustrations of Assen and the Sachsenring in Italy.

"After two very difficult race weekends we arrive at Mugello, where we delivered a great victory last year," said Lorenzo. "I love the track; it's very fast and should be a good one for our bike.

"I'm very happy to be leading the championship but we still have many races to go so our target is to again aim for the podium and victory if it is possible."

Team director Massimo Meregalli agreed that Mugello represented a good chance for Yamaha to reassert its authority in the title race.

"The last two weekend's have been not what we predicted, but finally we head to Mugello with a lead in the championship, [and it's] a place where we know Jorge is very fast from last year's race," said Meregalli.

Yamaha and Honda are currently tied at the head of the manufacturers' standings, while Lorenzo is 14 points ahead of Pedrosa and 20 clear of Stoner in the riders' title race.

Lorenzo had won three straight grands prix prior to the Netherlands, where he was taken out by Alvaro Bautista at the first corner, and Germany, where he lacked the pace to challenge the Hondas in the race.