Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi is still motivated to try and fend off team-mate Jorge Lorenzo in the fight for second place in this year’s MotoGP title chase especially after beating him fair and square at Phillip Island on Sunday.

The nine-time world champion has an eight-point lead over Lorenzo with two races left to run while Dani Pedrosa is now left hoping for a big mistake from the Yamaha pair as his non-finish at Phillip Island leaves his 25 points behind The Doctor.

“Is not important like winning the title but is a great second place because is fighting with Pedrosa and Jorge who are two of the best four riders of the world so second position is a very high level. Sincerely, the target is to be competitive every weekend and try to work for be strong on Sunday. There is still motivation for second place,” said Rossi.

“We are doing a good job this season and I want to get a good result here. We are working well with the team and I feel very well. The last victory in Australia was great, we are very happy but mostly it was another beautiful confirmation of the good work we're doing.

“This weekend we have to work well from Friday and fix every little detail to get to the race with a good set-up. The bike has improved a lot and this showed with three Yamaha riders on the Australian podium.

“The race in Malaysia will be the last of three in a row. I will do my best to win again. I got my second win of the season and now I want to fight for second place in the championship. It will be a great fight with Dani and Jorge in the next two races.”