Capirossi thrilled with turnaround

The Italian veteran had been a low-key seventh yesterday, but benefited from a tow to briefly hold provisional pole this afternoon, and then hang on to third as Jorge Lorenzo and Casey Stoner edged ahead.

"I tried really hard at the end and did a great lap for sure," he said.

"I want to say thank you very much to all my team because yesterday afternoon in practice te bike was terrible. We were working all night to find a good solution for the set-up.

"Already from this morning the bike was working quite well and I am really happy."

Capirossi admitted that it would probably be tough to stay with the leaders in the race, but is optimistic about his chances.

"I know the situation for tomorrow will not be easy, but I can keep a rhythm of low 1m50s [laps] and we will see what happens," he said.

Last year Capirossi also qualified third at Mugello - his only front row start of the year - before fading to seventh in the race.