MotoGP star Valentino Rossi is confident of kick-starting his season with a successful defence of his Portuguese Grand Prix title at the Estoril circuit on Sunday.
But despite being boosted by his success at home Honda’s Pedrosa has to contend with a rampant Rossi who has won here five times and finished on the podium in each of his last eight visits.
Rossi said: “Since 2000 I’ve always been on the podium here. I like this circuit. This weekend will be difficult but after the good result from Jerez I’ll try and continue on the same track.”
“This year a lot of riders can win, the championship is more balanced and I expect the second group to battle to try and be up there with us,” added Rossi.
World champion Casey Stoner is fourth in the championship, one point behind Rossi, after finishing just 11th in Jerez, his worst placement since racing for Ducati.
The Australian will desperately be trying to make up lost ground in the third race of the season.
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