MotoReview

Valentino Rossi

After his second DNF in two races at Le Mans, Rossi really needs to kickstart his season this Sunday if he's to work his way up from a lowly 8th place in the championship.

"Mugello has been very good to me over the past few years - it is a very special race and this season it is even more important than ever," admits Rossi. "I have had some incredible emotions there over the years and it is always a very busy weekend for me, but it is crucial that we maintain our focus on the job because we have to be at 100% if we want to win again. The new chassis worked well at Le Mans and we have some good data from the test to improve it at Mugello so I have reason to be confident."

"We have had a lot of bad luck but I don't think 43 points is such a big gap when there are still twelve races left. It will be difficult to win them all but I will settle for taking eleven wins and one second place! When you look at what has happened to us this season, mostly things out of our control, I probably lost 25 points in France, 16 in China and 14 in Jerez so if it wasn't for all that I would be in a much better situation in the championship now. I think we showed our true potential last weekend and it is just a matter of our luck changing now. Mugello would be the perfect place for that."

Loris Capirossi

Loris is currently 3rd in the championship, albeit with the same number of points as second place man Marco Melandri. With a good result Ducati could unveil their new V4 Desmosedici road bike on the same weekend as retaking the lead of the championship. It would be the PR team's birthday and Christmas all in one, but can he do it?

"For me, Mugello is so good, such a great event. Every year we go there it's a special moment for the Italian riders. In fact, pretty much since 2000 - when I won after a big battle with Valentino (Rossi) and (Max) Biaggi - the race has been an Italian affair. And Mugello is extra special for me because the Ducati factory is only 60km down the road, which is great for all the staff who come to watch us race. It is an excellent track, very unusual, with an interesting mix of corners - fast, slow, up and down - so you have a little bit of everything. I always enjoy it a lot.

"Getting second at the last race in France was fantastic, it was very good for me and for our championship hopes. I have to say thanks again to Ducati and to Bridgestone, everyone is working so hard for this project. Bridgestone brought new tyres to Le Mans which helped me get another podium."

Marco Melandri

Melandri is the only man to have won two races this season, his most recent success being the previous round in Le Mans just two weeks ago. Could he make it a hat-trick at his home race?

"The victory at Le Mans was a huge emotion, the best possible ‘antipasto' before my home race. To head back to Italy straight after a win is fantastic even though Mugello will be a completely different story. My home GP in front of so many supporters will be difficult because there are so many potential winners but I am one of them and I am ready to fight for the podium. The idea of racing in front of so many Italian fans is nice but I have to be careful not to get carried away. Mugello has come at an incredible time because at Le Mans we almost had an entirely Italian podium. I'm sure, like every year, it will be a great party!"