Valentino Rossi is hoping for a strong result this weekend in Japan.

Valentino Rossi will continue his debut season with Ducati at Motegi on Sunday, hoping for a breakthrough performance at a circuit Ducati won at in 2010.

Rossi has posted six podium finishes at the track, including last year’s third place following a tight battle with Jorge Lorenzo.

“I had a nice race last year at Motegi, despite having a painful shoulder,” Rossi reflected. “I had a nice duel with Lorenzo, and I finished on the podium. The Ducati won last year and has also gone well there in the past, so we’ll see if we can do any better than we have at the recent races.

“It’s true that we’re having to work very hard, but we always approach every grand prix with the goal of doing better. We’ll try hard this Sunday as well, working on the track with what we have available at this time, while also simultaneously focusing on the future.”

Starting on Friday morning, both Rossi and teammate Nicky Hayden will work to refine the setup of the GP11.1, with hopes that the weather – the forecast for which is currently uncertain – allows them to take full advantage of the sessions.