The reigning World Champion knows that the demands of the circuit will push his physical condition to its limit during the Grand Prix of Japan this weekend, but is prepared for the challenge.

Valentino Rossi is steeling himself for another hard weekend on his body as he prepares for the Grand Prix of Japan, where the right-handed Motegi circuit will place added demands on his recovering shoulder. The Fiat Yamaha rider explained that the leg he broke in June is now the lesser of his problems, with his shoulder the main factor in his ability to push hard.

“The leg is now almost back to normal again – I have even started running – but the shoulder is a problem and we know now that this is not going to change until we have time to treat it properly,” said Rossi, who has fond recollections of the Japanese circuit.

“I have some great memories from Motegi, especially winning the Championship in 2008, but I am expecting this weekend to be quite difficult on my body,” continued Rossi, who is also looking forward to the rounds in Malaysia and Australia which follow on consecutive weekends. “We have a hard three weeks ahead but after this race two of my best tracks are coming up, and I am hoping for some good results. We will do our best and see what happens!"

Rossi’s Team Manager Davide Brivio returns to the paddock this weekend having missed the previous round at Aragón – where Rossi placed sixth – due to a back problem, and he hopes that the previous good showing of the M1 at Motegi (Rossi won in 2008 and team-mate Jorge Lorenzo won last year) bodes well for his rider.

He said: "Valentino is understandably disappointed that he isn't in as good physical shape as he had hoped, and this is a pity for him because the leg is really quite good now! Aragón was hard on him but generally our bike goes well at Motegi so we hope it will be better, even if the nature of the track will still be hard on him.”

“This run of races is tough on everyone but we will be working as hard as ever and hoping for some good results as we head towards the final races,” concluded Brivio.