BBC SPORT | MOTORBIKES | Rossi seeks French first

World champion Valentino Rossi will look to continue his domination of MotoGP as the championship moves to Le Mans on Sunday.

The 23-year-old Italian has yet to win in France but has been in sparkling form this season, taking two of the opening three races.

And with the powerful Honda team behind him a debut win in France looks on the cards.

I think Le Mans could be quite tough for us this year

Max Biaggi

The Japanese manufacturer has won the last seven races in the top class, with Japan's Tohru Ukawa narrowly beating Rossi in the second race of the season in South Africa.

The main competition should come from the Yamaha team of Max Biaggi and Carlos Checa, who will hope to repeat last year's one-two at Le Mans.

Biaggi is looking for a change in fortune after crashing in the opening race in Japan, finishing ninth in South Africa and being black flagged in Spain.

"I've not had a lot of luck so far this season, that's for sure," said Biaggi. "We know that we have to work hard to make our bike better.

"At the moment, we're doing the best we can with what we've got. I have a nice memory of my win there last season but I think Le Mans could be quite tough for us this year.

Yamaha's Max Biaggi
Max Biaggi won at Le Mans last year
"It's an okay kind of track, very tight and very technical, so you have to be very precise with your riding."

The French crowd will be pinning their hopes on Regis Laconi, who returns to Le Mans after a year in world superbikes.

"I can't wait to go back to Le Mans after a year away," he said. "It won't be easy though as there will be a lot of pressure on me."

But the race that really matters for the home crowd is the 125cc, with the world championship currently led by France's Arnaud Vincent, riding an Aprilia.

In the 250cc section, Spain's Fonsi Nieto will be looking to increase his lead in the championship.


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