Pedrosa also has a 125cc title to his name

The new season begins at Jerez on Sunday, and double 250cc champion Pedrosa is anxious to do well in front of his home fans on his MotoGP debut.

But he told sports daily Marca: "People are expecting too much from me and I'm concerned that I might disappoint them.

"I'm not the leading challenger to Rossi, there are other riders who should be taking on that role."

The 20-year-old Repsol Honda rider added: "Everyone is saying that I'm the one who should be out there winning.

"But there are five or six other riders out there with three or four years more experience than me."

Yamaha's Rossi, 27, is chasing his sixth successive world title, and Jerez is one of his happiest hunting grounds.

I'm ready to fight and give my all, and if we get the results the payback will be amazing Ducati's Sete Gibernau

The Italian has won six times in all classes there, and a fifth win in the top category will make him its most successful rider at the circuit.

Rossi has won the opening race of the season for the past five years and each time has gone on to take the crown.

"I love racing in Spain and I have many fans there, so I always look forward to the race in Jerez," he said.

Rossi's old foes Sete Gibernau and Loris Capirossi look to have a truly competitive bike at Ducati.

Have Your Say on Five Live Your tips for the start of the new MotoGP season

They were the fastest riders in the final pre-season testing at Jerez, while Rossi struggled.

Capirossi said: "I think we are well prepared. The team are really strong at the moment and my bike feels perfect for Jerez."

Gibernau, second to Rossi at Jerez last year, is also upbeat about his prospects in his first season with Ducati.

"It's going to be a tough year, but we are strong mentally. I'm ready to fight and give my all, and if we get the results the payback will be amazing," he said.

Qualifying for the MotoGP race begins on Friday with the shoot-out for grid places taking place on Saturday.

In the 250cc class Spaniards Jorge Lorenzo and Hector Barbera will be looking for a winning start as they bid to succeed Pedrosa, while the 125cc title race looks wide open.