Rossi snatched a dramatic late win in Holland

The Italian world champion tops the standings from Spain's Sete Gibernau only on his higher number of wins.

Yamaha star Rossi said: "No-one is splitting us and we're only putting five points between us each time.

"This championship is tight, and it looks as if it will be a hard fight right through to the end."

Rossi was not expected to challenge for another title in his first season with Yamaha, but he has surprised even himself with his performances.

He said: "We're a winning combination, Yamaha and I. I'm very happy to be in this position at this stage.

"The bike has got its got good points and bad points, but we've done an incredible job from the beginning to now.

"It wasn't in our plans at this point but to be halfway through the season and leading the championship is incredible."

Rossi added: "Rio is a special track for me, I think I've had the most wins of my career there, it's six GP wins in total, and two of those have been in the MotoGP class.

"It's one of my favourite tracks for that reason, plus it has long corners for good sliding, and I've had a good feeling there on all the bikes I have raced there."