Rossi arrives for his home United States Grand Prix at the centre of attention, as he is set to become the first American to race on home soil since Scott Speed in 2007.

Booth reckons that the fact that Rossi will be the focus for much of the media attention will spur teammate Will Stevens on to beat him even more.

"We have been treated to a fascinating battle between team-mates over the past few races and we are sure that, in the nicest possible way - in as much as fiercely competitive drivers can afford - Will is going be keen to spoil Alexander's party this weekend," said Booth.

"That spirit of racing is what we are all about as a team, and although there is a championship being decided at the front of the grid, we'll have our own intense battle going on, I'm sure."

No distraction

Although Rossi has a packed schedule of media and sponsor appearances over the weekend, Booth is confident that the youngster will not allow the extra pressure to affect his on-track performance.

"He has one of the busiest PR schedules I have seen for a driver," said Booth. "Nonetheless, he is a very focused racer and he will find a way to manage the many demands on his time."

Rossi himself said the reality of competing on home soil was finally starting to hit home now he was involved in the build-up.

"I can't adequately describe how excited I am about competing in my home Grand Prix for the first time," he said.

"Thankfully, I've been so busy with a whole bunch of PR commitments that I've been able to keep that side of it in check, but now we're just a few days out, the reality is starting to hit me and it feels great.

"It's a huge deal for me, not only because it makes me extremely proud to be the first American driver to race on US soil since 2007, but also because it's the realisation of a goal that I, and the people around me, have been working towards for effectively 13 years.

"This weekend is an opportunity to reward their support and commitment as much as my own determination as a race car driver, and I'll be giving it my all."

Check out our Inside GP preview...