Rossi hopeful of ending winless streak

SHANGHAI, China -- Seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi is hoping that Shanghai will be the place where he ends his longest winless streak -- now seven races -- when he competes in Sunday's China Moto GP.

Rossi, 29, won in China in 2005 and was just pipped by world champion Casey Stoner of Australia last year. He has plenty of experience of the circuit's long straights and hairpin bends.

Rossi has won the Moto GP title five times since moving into the premier class in 2001 but has not found it easy to fine tune the Bridgestone tires new to his Fiat Yamaha this season.

Now he is confident that modifications will make him a strong contender in Shanghai.

"Last year in China we weren't quite able to win, but this year our bike is working very well and, together with our tire package, I think we should be fighting for the victory," said Rossi. "I hope that Shanghai is going to be the place where it finally all comes together."

Rossi could finish no better than fifth in the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix, but was second in Jerez and third in Estoril.

He will face stiff opposition from the Spanish pair Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa, who are currently setting the pace in the championship standings.

They both have 61 points after Rossi's teammate Lorenzo scored a maiden victory in last month's Portuguese Grand Prix.

The 20-year-old has made an explosive start to his first season in MotoGP, with three pole positions and three podiums in as many races, but he is recovering from an operation on a muscle in his right arm two weeks ago.

"The arm is really good," the double 250cc world champion said. "I'm really pleased that I will be able to ride in China, although I won't be at 100 percent, obviously,"

Pedrosa of Honda Repsol is chasing his second win of the season after dominating the Spanish GP in Jerez in March. The 22-year-old won in China in 2006 and was fourth last year.

"One of the most important parts of the track is the back straight, which is very long, so you need good engine performance here," the former 125cc and 250cc world champion said. "Braking is also very important at Shanghai. It's an unusual track and you need to ride relaxed and easy."

Stoner, who has had a quiet spell after winning the opener in Qatar, lies fourth overall and may have a good chance to return to form on a track which should suit his powerful Ducati Marlboro. E-mail to a friend