Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi is expecting challenges from the Open class MotoGP competitors early on in races this season as they will be able to take advantage of a softer-spec rear Bridgestone.

The Doctor, who remains happy and upbeat with his pre-season testting performance, says there are a lot of new things to understand in 2014 and believes that the Ducatis and close friend Aleix Espargaro will be able to give the Factory riders a thin time.

“There are a lot of new things, will be interesting to understand from the weekend what will change this year, I think Aleix and the two Ducatis can be very strong and more than last year, in the laptime and more in the pace. The race can be different, especially in the first part. I will be interested to see how they are,” said Rossi, speaking at Qatar.

“I am satisfied about my test in the pre-season because I was stong and fast in Sepang and also Phillip Island. I feel in a good shape and I am happy about the work in the garge, we improve a lot some weak points of last year and we good with the soft tyre and the pace, I am ready for the start.”

On the subject of whether he will continue racing after 2014, Rossi said: “I want to continue but to be competitive, so the result will be important to decide for the future.”