Having finished fifth in the 2005 Malaysian Grand Prix, despite riding with 35 stitches in his right foot, a fully fit Marco Melandri returns to Sepang this weekend confident of reaching his peak as the 2006 season enters its most important period.

Melandri required the stitches after sustaining a deep flesh wound when he was hit by world champion Valentino Rossi in Japan (top picture), but amazed the paddock with his gutsy Sepang ride just one week later.

The Italian's 2006 season has also been hampered by injury - the tough Fortuna Honda rider being hospitalized after the turn one Catalunya pile-up and riding with the after effects for several rounds - but, having won two races earlier in the season, Melandri remains in the title hunt, sitting fourth in the championship and 40 points from leader Nicky Hayden with 125 still up for grabs.

"Now is the time to take each race as it comes because we are in the final stage of the championship and we have to give our best all the time," said Marco. "Last year I arrived in Sepang with 35 stitches in my foot so I wasn't in the right physical shape. The rider's conditioning is one of the keys to success at Sepang and from that point of view I feel very confident (this year).

"My physical preparation is designed specifically for the level of demands you are put under at this track - from Supermoto to Motocross and mountain bikes. We've got three very contrasting circuits coming up but I like them all and I can't wait to get on my RC211V," he declared.

First free practice for the Malaysian Grand Prix takes place on Friday morning.