By Steve Parrish BBC motorbikes commentator

My concern for Rossi now is that he is under a huge amount of pressure Steve Parrish

The MotoGP at Mugello is a favourite of everyone connected with the sport.

In a quintessential sleepy village in the heart of Italy's finest Tuscany sits this enormous great track.

It really is gorgeous, you arrive there and just look down at this fantastic arena.

It is a beautiful setting and the track has undulations that the riders love.

Everyone enjoys sitting on the banks and basking in sunshine and it's the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

One man who will not be able to enjoy the surroundings unless he wins is defending champion Valentino Rossi.

Italian MotoGP Race: Sun, BBC Two, 1230 BBC Interactive: Sat, qualifying, 1255 Sun, MotoGP Extra, 1400 MotoGP on the BBC

Another race blighted by technical problems in Le Mans has left the Italian even further off the pace in the championship standings.

He didn't qualify particularly well in France but showed he was extremely keen to win the race and charged through.

He made a few risky moves and caused a commotion at the first corner, but it's not a knitting competition, it's motorcycle racing.

My concern for him now is that he is under a huge amount of pressure.

Could he push himself too hard?

He knows he has to win all the races as he cannot afford to finish second or third which he has been able to do in the past.

It's a recipe for disaster as he could push himself too far, we all think he is infallible but everyone's human.

Ideally I'd like to see him win in Italy and start chipping away at the leaders as it would make for a tremendous season.

I've never seen a championship as wide open as this at this stage of the season.

It's been a long, long while since it has been so competitive as recent years have been dominated by Rossi and before him, Mick Doohan.

The fanatical home supporters would love nothing more than an Italian one-two-three but Dani Pedrosa or Nicky Hayden could scupper that.

And just a quick word on British rider James Ellison.

I'm still worried for him and his position in the Yamaha team.

He is still struggling and made the wrong tyre choice at Le Mans.

James has to get a result soon and be closer to his team-mate Carlos Checa. He needs to be more aggressive and exuberant with his youth.

Predictions: 1. Rossi 2. Capirossi 3. Pedrosa