Valentino Rossi is hoping to enjoy the Laguna Seca track more than in the past as he bids to stretch his MotoGP lead in the US GP here Sunday.
''It's a tough track,'' said the seven-time world champ ahead of practice Friday.
''I'm aiming to improve my performance here, where I've always had trouble. This year I'm looking to enjoy it a bit more''.
Rossi's best finish has been third at Laguna Seca.
Reigning world champion Casey Stoner, one of Rossi's two main rivals for this year's title, has said he ''loves'' the circuit, where he dominated last year.
''Stoner is very strong on this track but Yamaha is better this year,'' Rossi said.
Ducati's Australian champ is third in the MotoGP championship on 167, 20 behind Rossi.
But Stoner has stormed up the standings this summer, reeling off three straight wins.
Spain's Dani Pedrosa, on a Honda, is second on 171 but is a doubtful starter after breaking his left hand in a fall at last week's German GP.
