Stoner aims to break Jerez duck

Casey Stoner has one win from as many starts this MotoGP season, but he concedes he's by no means over the line in Spain next weekend.

Stoner set the Qatar track alight earlier in March as he cruised to victory in his first race as defending champion.

The Australian shone under the floodlights at the Losail circuit, however, an indifferent record at the scene for Sunday-week's showdown means Stoner is definitely not writing his victory speech just yet.

The Andalucian track is one of only four venues he didn't manage a podium finish on last year on his way to the title last season

"You could say that Jerez last year wasn't one of our best races," Stoner admitted.

"But winter testing went well there and with the general improvements we've made since last year I think we can be competitive."

"We worked well with the Bridgestone technicians there and tested a lot of different types of tyre, so we should be well prepared to pick the right one for the race."

Stoner said the positive beginning to his championship defence was pleasing and paid tribute to others who kicked off in style.

"There are a lot of riders who have started the season strongly, especially the rookies, amongst them riders who will want more of the same and riders racing at home," Stoner said.

"They'll be very motivated. We just have to try and make sure we do our job well and then try to achieve the best result possible."