Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi needs a mistake-free weekend at the Motegi MotoGP round if he is to hold on to a decent lead over team-mate Jorge Lorenzo in the championship chase.

Rossi is currently 14 points ahead but goes into the Japanese round knowing that Lorenzo won at the track last year and is a rich vein of dry-weather form. The Doctor had a small crash while testing for Michelin at Aragon but says he just bashed his arm and is perfectly fit.

“Motegi is a track that I like very much. Here I made a good race in the past and also last year I had a good weekend but Jorge was stronger than me so he won. For this reason I will have to give my all because there are only 14 points between him and I,” said Rossi.

“These points may seem a lot but they are few. We must give the maximum because we are competitive, which we have demonstrated up to this point. There will be three races in a row and it will be important not to make any mistakes, but at the same time make sure to get the best possible results. I feel good.

“In Aragon, during the test, I crashed but there were no further consequences, only a little abrasion on my arm. I'm fine and I'm ready for the triple-header.”