Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo is hoping to continue his recent good form at Laguna Seca and cement his place at the top of the MotoGP rider's standings with a win this weekend.
The 2010 world champion has secured pole position for the previous three years at the California circuit and has converted them all into podium finishes.
Lorenzo, 25, has only finished outside the top two once so far this season, a retirement on the opening lap in Assen, and wants to increase the gap over second-place Dani Pedrosa - who is currently 19 points adrift.
"With the exception of the disaster at Assen we are having a very strong season so far, always finishing in either first or second place," Lorenzo said.
"I have always had great races here in Laguna in MotoGP and always finish on the podium. Hopefully we can continue to do this here to extend the lead a little more.
"I love the circuit, the corkscrew corner is amazing and the American fans always make an incredible atmosphere for us."
Lorenzo also commented on speculation he could be joined at Yamaha next season by seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi.
The rumour mill intensified when Lorenzo's current team-mate Ben Spies announced he intended to leave the team at the end of the season and although Lorenzo is disappointed to see the American rider leave, he believes replacing him with Rossi would be a great move.
He said: "It was sad news to hear that Ben is not continuing, because he has been a Yamaha rider for quite a long time. I think he has great potential, and I wish him good luck in the future. Now we have to see what will happen with the second rider.
"I hear some rumours, and some rumours say Valentino is going to come, which would be a good thing for Yamaha. We have been a good couple in the past."
Rossi, 33, currently races for Ducati and sits sixth in the rider's championship. He won at Laguna Seca back in 2008 whilst part of the Yamaha team.
