I'm honestly quite excited about this event, I think it's a fun way to start the season; fun for the fans and something different for the riders! Last year we, the safety commission, made a test on a small part of the track with road bikes and gave our feedback to the circuit about the changes they needed to make before a race could go ahead. Our main worry was the shadow – it needs to be very, very bright in order for the shadows not to be a problem. I wasn't able to go to the test there in November because of my hand but it seems that the circuit have made a very good job. It will be strange for sure but I think it will be very funny.

Q:
What is your aim for this season?

Valentino Rossi:
My aim is to win, just like every other year. I haven't won now for two year, the longest period of my grand prix career, and I am aiming to win this year.

Q:
Do you expect Stoner to be your chief rival again? Which other riders are you expecting to be strong?

Valentino Rossi:
Without a doubt I expect Stoner to be as strong, or stronger than last year, and I know we will have to make a great, great fight to beat him. This year I will be on the same tyres as him and I am looking forward to having some great battles with him. Pedrosa of course will also be at the front again as well as many of the others Quite a lot of riders have changed bikes this year and I think it will be very interesting but I am expecting everyone to be competitive from the start; Melandri, Hopkins, Capirossi, Vermeulen etc. I think it will be a very exciting season.

Q:
What do you think about your new team-mate, Jorge Lorenzo?

Valentino Rossi:
He is a great 250cc rider and I am sure that he will be a very good MotoGP rider. Already after just a few tests he has shown a great level of improvement and he is undoubtedly fast. I am sure he will be a good rival in the future.

Q:
The tyre regulations have been slightly altered this season. Do you think it's enough or would you like to see the limitations removed entirely?

Valentino Rossi:
I'm not too concerned about the tyre regulations. We're accustomed to the situation now and although I think it's good that it's changed slightly, I don't think it will make much difference. I am starting afresh with regards to tyres and I am not thinking about the limitations, just on developing my new relationship with Bridgestone.

Q:
Did you take part in any other racing activities during the winter, such as rally driving?

Valentino Rossi:
I had planned to compete in the Rally of Great Britain but in the end I was testing in Jerez the new Bridgestones, which was of course more important! As usual I did the rally of Monza which I won for the second time in a row! It is always great fun for me to compete in that race and a win is always great!

Q:
Finally, after two years without a championship, do you think the motivation for you and for the team stronger than ever?

Valentino Rossi:
We have a new and difficult challenge in front of us, which is to win after two years, but with new tyres. It's all very exciting and the motivation for me is greater than ever and for the team it's the same; I know that all my guys are as hungry to win again as I am.