Series leader Jorge Lorenzo is hoping to continue his perfect record at Estoril this weekend as the MotoGP season resumes.
Reigning champion Lorenzo has won from pole position on all three of his previous MotoGP visits to the Portuguese circuit and the Yamaha man wants a fourth.
He holds a nine-point lead over fellow Spaniard Dani Pedrosa as the racing returns from a three-week break following the postponement of the Japanese Grand Prix.
He said: ‘This week we will be in Portugal, a country where I've had nice moments.
‘In Estoril I got my first victory in the MotoGP class in 2008 which I repeated over the last two seasons.
‘The track has turned into a talisman for me. We have been training for a month, and I hope that this makes us fit for a good race.
‘We are in front of the standings, but it is very early and it is just the beginning.’
British rider Cal Crutchlow will again be learning a new circuit as he returns from arm surgery.
Tech 3 Yamaha rider Crutchlow was one of three riders to take advantage of the extended break to have surgery on an arm pump problem and is raring to go.
He said: ‘My arm is getting better and better after the surgery that was done to get rid of the numbness I felt during Qatar and Jerez.
‘The stitches are out already, but I haven't tried to ride a bike yet, so I'll understand more on Friday when practice starts.’
Repsol Honda rider Pedrosa also had an operation on his shoulder last month to repair the effects of a broken collarbone last year.
The injury had hampered him in the opening two races of the season and Pedrosa is unlikely to be fully fit again during Sunday's race.
He said: ‘I did what I had to do in these three weeks off and I look forward to getting back on the bike.
‘This period has been good for me to undergo surgery and start rehabilitation.
‘Last week I had the stitches removed, so everything is still very fresh and I don't know how I will feel in Estoril, but I'm excited to see if everything went well and if I can put the issues aside once on the bike.
‘It would be very good because we had a good start to the season and I wish to compete in the best conditions.’
