Fiat Yamaha's Valentino Rossi reckons that team-mate Jorge Lorenzo will be the man to beat at the Laguna Seca MotoGP round this weekend but isn't ruling out a battle with Casey Stoner.

Rossi's titanic scrap at the California track with the Australian Ducati rider last year has gone down in history as one of the best races ever and the Italian is expecting another huge battle.

“The wonderful memory of the 100th win is still fresh, but now we have just a few days to recover before the next race, which is hard for everyone. We have to try to relax as much as possible and recharge the batteries a little, because Laguna is always a tough weekend and often very hot," said The Doctor.

"Last year I had a great battle with Stoner and for me it was for sure one of the turning points of the championship and a very important win; I have some good memories. I think this year it will be hard again because Lorenzo is in brilliant form and I am sure Stoner will also be back to his best.

"Laguna is a great place to race and an exciting track. The championship is very open at this point so we need to keep focus, get back to normal after Assen and try to get another good result this weekend.”