Fresh from his fourth place finish at Sachsenring, Alex de Angelis is eyeing an equally strong performance at Laguna Seca.

Having responded to the criticism of his team boss in the best way possible at the Sachsenring, Alex de Angelis is now looking to keep his form up as he heads across the pond for the U.S Grand Prix at Laguna Seca.

Receiving considerable praise for his fourth place finish at Mugello earlier in the year, de Angelis went on to fall in the following three rounds, prompting San Carlo Honda principal Fausto Gresini to urge greater caution in the future.

de Angelis duly replied on circuit at the Sachsenring when he ran amongst the frontrunners in free practice and qualifying before finishing the race fourth in tricky conditions that otherwise caught out more experienced rivals.

Leaping up onto the cusp of the top ten, de Angelis is hopeful of a similar performance at Laguna Seca, even if he admits that his rookie status means he may struggle in the early stages of the weekend.

"I'll be racing at Laguna Seca for the first time but in a way I already know the track because I went there last year to watch the MotoGP race and I did a few laps on a scooter. I'm so excited by the prospect of this new experience because everybody talks so highly of the Corkscrew, probably the most famous corner on the whole calendar!

"We'll start the weekend with the base setting from 2007 - the team were really competitive here last season so I think it will be a good base. I'll just complete as many laps as possible in the first two practice sessions to try and learn all the secrets of the track and pick up as much as I can from the more experienced riders.

"Unfortunately I expect us to struggle again in qualifying but I'll give my best to get as good a starting position as possible. Anyway, in certain aspects the circuit is similar to Sachsenring so I think it can be well suited to my riding style and our bike."

Given all the attention surrounding his team-mate, it is easy to forget that team-mate Shinya Nakano actually leads San Carlo Honda's efforts in the overall standings. Indeed, a ninth place finish in Germany keeps the Japanese rider solidly inside the top ten and excited about his weekend prospects.

"I like Laguna Seca in general - the first year we raced there I was really shocked with how you have to take the Corkscrew but then year after year I've got used to it. Without doubt the riders who are fastest through that corner notice a big difference to their lap time.

"The secret is to brake as deep as possible into the corner and then make a really fast change in direction, but keeping it smooth at the same time. As always the tyres will be fundamentally important because we'll probably get high track temperatures once again. My result last year wasn't great so I want to make up for that!"