Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi has said that his big gamble to replace long-standing crew chief Jerry Burgess with World Superbike man Silvano Galbusera has paid off.

The nine-time world champion has found the pace to challenge for podiums consistently this year and reckons he is enjoying the 2014 season even though the level of competition is extremely high.

"At the end of last year I was a bit frustrated as I wasn’t able to improve my pace enough in order to fight for the podium in every race. So I decided to change something. It was a big bet, but I’m happy because I am enjoying this year more; I have been able to be stronger and more competitive and especially faster on race day. I have a lot of work to do because the level is very high: especially Marquez, but Lorenzo and Pedrosa are also very fast,” said Rossi.

"I enjoy this work and this life a lot. I want to be part of the game. You must not think too much about the past. I am very lucky, having had a great career with a lot of achievement, but if you want to be part of the game you have to think about the future. I wanted to continue and signed another two years of contract, so I want to try and do this part of my career at more than 100 per cent.”