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Valentino Rossi has declared himself equal to the task of competing against younger riders in Valencia this weekend, arguing that at 26 he is hardly over the hill.

The MotoGP World Champion may need all the convincing he can get, however, as he prepares to battle it out with rising Honda stars Marco Melandri, 23, and Nicky Hayden, 24.

But the Yamaha rider refuses to admit defeat, or at least nerves, over the impending race.

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"Some new young riders have come to the front of the field over the last few races, and I am sure we'll have another big battle in Valencia," Rossi admitted.

However he continued: "Of course I am not old and I hope that I have a few more years at the top yet! I am looking forward to Valencia and we hope our bike works well there and that we can find a good setting straight away."

Rossi has all the confidence of a good track record behind him. Last year his Valencia victory marked his ninth win of the season and a win this year would make it a record-equalising 12-season win.

And with Valencia marking the end of the season, Rossi confesses himself particularly motivated: "I like ending the season with a victory!" the Italian says cheekily. Honda freshfaces, be on your guard.