Marlboro Ducati's Valentino Rossi is hoping that Casey Stoner is no stronger on the 1000cc MotoGP bikes next year than he is on the current 800s or he will be very difficult to catch in 2012.

Rossi is second in the 800cc win table with 21, Stoner is in the lead with 31 but The Doctor says he doesn't think that with the current tyre situation, the litre bikes will be much faster than the electronic-packed 800s.

"Stoner doesn't like the 800cc like a lot of riders but he is one of the best with the 800cc. He is able to ride the 800cc at the limit. In five years he has won one championship, Lorenzo one and me two. Maybe Stoner two if he win. I hope he isn't stronger with the 1000cc but I think he has a good style also for a 1000," said Rossi, speaking to bikesportnews.com.

"We have to understand next year how much is the difference from the capacity and then how much is the difference from the tyres because with this type of tyre I don't think the 1000cc is going to be a lot different than the 800cc."