BARCELONA, Spain, June 6, 2008 (AFP) - The Catalunya motorcycling Grand Prix should deliver one of the season's most gripping duals, as high-flying Italian Valentino Rossi pits his wits against last year's race winner Casey Stoner.

Rossi, who has put himself back into MotoGP championship contention after three consecutive race wins (China, France, and Italy), is out for revenge and, importantly, he believes his bike has the power to deliver it.

"Last year at Catalunya I was beaten by Casey and I wasn't able to take over him," said Rossi, whose Italian Grand Prix triumph on Sunday was his seventh consecutive victory on home soil.

"This year the bike and the tyres are working marvellously, so I think we are ready. We will be very motivated and difficult to beat."

The Italian has every reason to be upbeat after an emotional home victory in front of an adoring crowd, but reigning world champion Stoner's reply was a little more reserved.

"Barcelona is definitely my favourite track, but sadly it is also used for Formula One, which creates bumps and takes away a little of the pleasure of driving there," said the Australian, who finished second in Italy.

"Last year it was really a battle with Valentino and Dani (Pedrosa). We deserved to win. The team is working hard to move forward. Just as we knew it would be competitive at Mugello, I am reasonably confident here."

Spain's Pedrosa, who was born in just 20 kilometres from Sunday's circuit, is also motivated to be first over the line in front of a home crowd.

"I will be riding in front of my fans and I appreciate their support. The atmosphere is always special at Montmelo," said Pedrosa, who is second in the drivers championship.

"I'm going to do everything to put on a good race. The surface is a little bumpy and hard, but the right approach is the long one. It will be necessary to have power and a fluid riding style."

Rossi's rookie team-mate Jorge Lorenzo - who crashed out early at the Italian GP after trying take over Andrea Dovizioso on a difficult stretch - will be looking to put in a good performance in order to strengthen his third place in the championship standings.

"Sadly, that crash aggravated my ankle injury but I should be ready on Friday," said the Spaniard. "I love this circuit and I always have many supporters."

But the big questions will be asked of Stoner, currently lying fourth in the standings, to repeat his success of last year and keep on the fast heels of the in-form Rossi.