Capirossi very confident of race pace

The Rizla Suzuki rider was two seconds off the pace and fortunate to escape injury in a large accident near the end of the session, but he is not at all concerned about his race prospects.

"The team has done a great job," Capirossi told Italia1 television. "We've made several modifications to the bike from morning to afternoon, and we've seen the results.

"I think that in race conditions I am among the quickest. Obviously we suffer a bit compared to the Michelins, but I think tomorrow can be an important day for us because we've done good things.

"My quickest lap was done with the race tyre so it's hard, but I must say I'm very confident for tomorrow.

"First of all I hope the temperature will be similar to today's because our tyres suffer a bit in the cold. If it stays like this we can do really well."

Capirossi's bike was significantly damaged as it rolled through the gravel after the Italian suffered a low-side near the end of the hour.

But the veteran rider played down the crash.

"Obviously to start behind once more is not easy: we didn't need that slide in qualifying, but it's part of the game," he said.

"The important thing is to go for it and do the maximum, and I'm really doing the maximum."