Yamaha's Marco Melandri is confident he'll be quick at Monza despite not knowing the high-speed circuit.

Italian standout Marco Melandri admits he doesn’t know his way around the Monza circuit despite it ranking as his first ever home race in World Superbike.

The former grand prix star hasn’t ridden at the circuit in 15 years, however he’s confident he can learn the circuit quickly and that his factory Yamaha YZF-R1 will perform well come this weekend.

“I’m not really familiar with Monza, it’s a new track to me and I’m really curious to try it out on my R1 and see how it goes,” Melandri said. “I rode the track once in 1996 but I can’t even remember it now!

“It’s a very fast flowing track with some tight corners and I’m really looking forward to riding it this weekend. The team have been working hard on the data we picked up in Assen and let’s hope that we’ve found an improved set up.

“I’m sure I can be as competitive as anyone and can be back on the podium again this weekend.”

The Monza round also marks the home race for Melandri’s factory Yamaha outfit, which has picked up an addition sponsor in STONEX for the round.