 Rossi has only won two races so far this season |
World champion Valentino Rossi continued his return to form with the the fastest time in Friday's afternoon practice for the Catalan Grand Prix. The Yamaha rider lapped in one minute 42.837 seconds on the Montmelo track, where he has won his last two races.
The Italian, who is fifth in the MotoGP standings, won his home race two weeks ago after a poor start to the season.
American Kenny Roberts was fastest in the morning but trailed Rossi by 0.093secs in the second session.
Local favourite Dani Pedrosa, on a Honda, came in third, 0.199 seconds off Rossi's time, and Australia's Chris Vermeulen on a Suzuki was 0.272 seconds further back in fourth.
Championship leader Loris Capirossi trailed in eighth, 0.596 seconds behind compatriot Rossi, while second-placed Nicky Hayden was back in 11th.
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Rossi praised the work carried out by Yamaha in providing him with a new chassis. "I'm very pleased because we have done a lot of hard work today and the lap times are good," he said.
"Earlier in the season we were losing time in practice trying to solve the vibration problems but now we are able to work in a normal way thanks to the new chassis.
"Really this bike is only four hours old so for it to already be working so well is a big encouragement and a good sign for the future."
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