The fast and flowing Mugello circuit in Italy presents an entirely different challenge to the tight complexities of recent tracks such as Le Mans and Shanghai and both Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards hope it can also deliver a similar contrast in the fortunes that have followed them around the world during a dramatic opening five rounds of the campaign.

Rossi, in particular, is keen to get his fifth title defense back on track in front of his adoring Italian public.

The Tavullia-born superstar, who was last week honored with the ‘Spirit of Sport’ award at the prestigious Laureus Sports Awards, is aiming to add another prize to his trophy cabinet by claiming his fifth consecutive victory at the Mugello circuit.

Edwards is equally focused on the top step of the podium after again demonstrating winning potential at the last round in France.

The American was forced into the gravel in the first turn but he battled through from last place to take sixth overall and finish just 11 seconds down on the race winner.

Like Rossi, he knows that if things play in his favor this weekend it can be a glorious return home for the Monza-based team.

After failing to score points at the last two rounds because of freak tire and engine problems, Rossi now trails series leader Nicky Hayden (Honda) by 43 points and lies eighth in the championship — his worst ever start to a World Championship season in any class.

However, with a typical air of optimism based on confidence in his unrivaled ability, the Italian refuses to consider defeat at this early stage of the season and says this weekend is the ideal time to turn things around.

"Mugello has been very good to me over the past few years — it is a very special race and this season is even more important than ever," Rossi said.

"I have had some incredible emotions there over the years and it is always a very busy weekend for me, but it is crucial that we maintain our focus on the job because we have to be at 100 percent if we want to win again. The new chassis worked well at Le Mans and we have some good data from the test to improve it at Mugello so I have reason to be confident," Rossi added.