Rossi: I have an account to settle!

Valentino Rossi needs to finish just fifth in order to claim another MotoGP achievement as he bids to secure the record number of points over the course of a season.

Having surpassed the landmark of race wins earlier in the season, Rossi now looks destined to put his name next to one of the few remaining feats he hasn't achieved, provided he maintains the kind of form that has seen him finish off the podium just twice this year.

There is no reason to suggest he won't, Rossi coming to the final round in Valencia having secured a ninth win of the season in Malaysia.

Even so, the Ricardo Tormo circuit hasn't been particularly kind to Rossi in recent years, the Italian failing to perform well there for the last two seasons. Still, with another title wrapped up, Rossi is going there with no pressure on his shoulders.

"I have had two bad years at Valencia and I have some memories I would like to forget with a good result there this year - I have an account to settle! In 2006 I crashed and lost the championship and then last year I broke my hand and lost second place in the championship!

"It's not the best track for us but I won there with Yamaha in my first year with them and I would like to do the same again this weekend. It's been a fantastic season and the win on Sunday in Malaysia was great, but I am not finished yet and I want to reward my team, Yamaha and Bridgestone for a fantastic season with the best possible result on Sunday. Then we can all celebrate with a big party!"

Rossi's message is reiterated by Davide Brivio, although it is evident that he may have his mind on something else come Sunday...

"Valencia is the last race of the season so we go there with a twin objective - to win the race and to party! It is nice to go to another race without any pressure and I think all the Spanish fans will enjoy watching Valentino in the incredible form he has shown recently.

"Of course it has been a tough few weeks on the road for the team, with a lot of travelling involved but honestly when you are winning you don't feel the stress! Even so, it will be nice to be back in Europe and we will be focusing on ending the season on a high. Whatever the result, we'll be partying on Sunday night!"