Rossi confident of being on the pace

The Italian multiple world champion had a heavy fall after running wide on the exit of turn two and was unable to rejoin the track, tumbling through the gravel after he eventually lost control of his bike.

"I was pushing a lot with the qualifying tyre but unfortunately I went too wide at turn two and I came onto the grass on the exit," he explained.

"I thought I could take the bike back onto the track but, as soon as I touched the muddy grass I lost control and I couldn't stop it. Then I bumped my head and neck pretty hard when I landed in the gravel."

Despite the fall, the Fiat Yamaha rider is confident he will be fit and competitive in tomorrow's race: "It's a pity that I will have to start from 12th tomorrow, because this afternoon, with my Bridgestone race tyres, I had a very good pace.

"Now Dr. Costa and the Clinica Mobile staff will work to put me in good shape again - I am having treatment on my neck and then I will go immediately back to the hotel to rest until tomorrow.

"Tomorrow I am sure I will feel a lot better; we have good tyres and a good set-up so I will try to ride a good race!"

Rossi's fall and subsequent fourth-row start will make it hard for the Italian to continue his recent streak of success, having won the last five rounds in succession, clinching another world title with victory at Motegi last weekend.