Stoner preparing for all-out attack at Mugello

One of the most eagerly awaited rounds on the MotoGP calendar will be held at Mugello this weekend, as Australian Casey Stoner looks to return to winning form on Ducati's home circuit.

Adopted by a section of the Italian crowd as one of their own, Stoner is level on points with Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) in a tightly packed top three, with Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) the current leader.

Like his rival Rossi, Stoner also finished off the podium in the last round in France, meaning that no rider has stepped onto the rostrum at every race in 2009. A win in Mugello would not only be a huge psychological advantage for the Australian, but would also bring delight to Ducati and its legion of passionate fans.

Stoner has taken a second place and qualified on pole position in the past two visits to Mugello.

"I can't wait to race again Mugello - a circuit where I've had good results and some unforgettable moments, such as my first ever pole position in 2003 (125cc) and my first pole for Ducati in 2007, even though we just missed out on the podium in that race," said Stoner. "Last year I finished second and, considering the progress we've made since then, I'm sure we can be fighting for it again this time.

"It will be a tough race because the level of the competition is so high, as you can see from the championship standings, and all the home riders will be more determined than ever to do well, but I also like Mugello a lot - it is one of my favourite circuits.

"The fans are really passionate and even though they may get behind one rider more than others, you can see that in general they have a passion for the sport above anything."

Lorenzo has 66pts to his name after a blistering start to the year. Victories in Japan and, most recently, France have been the standout results for the Spaniard since the beginning of the season, with a further visit to the podium making up the rest of his total.

Only a crash in Jerez has blotted his copybook thus far, something rectified at Le Mans, and Lorenzo is keen to make amends for his 2008 DNF at Mugello with another sterling result.

Meanwhile, Rossi's record at Mugello speaks for itself: victory at the last seven MotoGP visits. Rossi has won in all conditions and on a variety of machinery at Mugello, but a win is never a done deal with the high talent level in MotoGP.

The six-time premier class titlist is gunning for his 99th triumph and, most importantly, the leadership of the classification in front of his home fans. If any further motivation were needed, Rossi arrives in Italy following a last place finish at Le Mans.

Rapidly catching the leading group, Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa is building confidence and fitness with every race. He chased down teammate Andrea Dovizioso for a third consecutive podium at the last round, and has been one of the few riders to give Rossi problems at the scene of this weekend's race in recent years. He is currently 9pts behind leader Lorenzo in the classification.

In some respects, fifth-placed Marco Melandri is the surprise package of 2009 so far. Riding an under-developed Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR for the Hayate Racing team, the Italian took an unexpected podium at Le Mans in the flag-to-flag MotoGP race. However, despite his setbacks in recent years Melandri's talent has never been in doubt, and the former MotoGP world championship runner-up will be out to show as much at his home grand prix. He is currently level on points with fellow local rider Dovizioso in the standings.

Mugello is also a home round for Suzuki's Loris Capirossi and Ducati rookie Niccolò Canepa, who both have extensive experience of the Mugello track.

Capirossi's laps have come over the course of 18 race visits in his world championship career - including a MotoGP victory in 2000 -- while Canepa was a frequent visitor to the circuit last year as Ducati's official test rider.

Capirossi's Aussie teammate, Chris Vermeulen, is eighth in the standings, and within striking distance of Melandri.

Only 17 riders will participate in the first Friday practice session at Mugello as Sete Gibernau will sit out the event after fracturing his collarbone at Le Mans.

The second round of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies will also be held at Mugello, featuring Aussie trio Arthur Sissis, Dylan Mavin and Josh Hook.

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