Michelin continues to struggle at Brno

Bridgestone teams filled the top eight places in first practice, then swept the top six later on, with Tech 3 Yamaha's Colin Edwards the best of the struggling Michelin pack all day.

Michelin had tested at the track in an effort to get to the bottom of its 2007 problems, but still struggled, while Bridgestone's choice of compounds appears to be ideal.

Riders have suggested that the Michelin fronts lose performance after just three laps, and that this was a factor in Randy de Puniet's two crashes today.

With the harder front tyres proving too hard to be competitive, Michelin does not have many options to improve its performance this weekend. The 2008 tyres have the same carcass and profile as before, but do not work with Brno's new track surface, raising questions amongst the Michelin users about the company's preparations.

Edwards said he was more than happy with the Michelin rears, but admitted that the front tyres were not lasting.

"With some of the small issues I have got with the front tyre, the only way I can ride is brake as hard as I can and almost back it in like a Supermoto," he said.

"And as soon as I get full lean angle I just roll to maximum throttle opening because I can't carry lots of momentum with 250 lines like I need to. I need to get the rear to come round to steer the bike.

"The rear tyre feels fantastic and I'm really happy with that. I did 15 laps on a rear without any problems and good and consistent grip, but the front tyre that I normally use and that I love, it is good but only for a short distance.

"I'll sit down with my guys again tonight and talk things through with Michelin to see if we can improve again tomorrow."