London, Apr 22: The consensus was that the five-times world champion would have a season of development before challenging for the title in 2005, but, at the two official pre-season testing sessions, Rossi was back at the top of the list of quickest times. ''I knew I was taking a very, very big gamble when I moved, but I'm enjoying working with Yamaha,'' Rossi said after the first of those tests at the Circuit De Catalunya. ''This year is going to be a great challenge. ''I really don't think it is possible for me to win the championship this season. I think the top three is a realistic target, but this is a great start. But I know this was not a race and there is still a lot of work to do.'' The flamboyant rider, famous for his elaborate post-race celebrations, left no doubt that the chance to beat Honda would be spurring him on this year.
''I have more motivation than I did when I was at Honda,'' Rossi said. ''At Honda all they think is that it is because of the bike that you win -- not the talent of the rider.''


Bureau Report