Rossi: Row two start not a disaster

The reigning champion has an astounding Mugello record, and has started from either first or third on every previous MotoGP appearance at the track.

Today, however, he could only manage fourth, as Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner and Loris Capirossi claimed the front row spots.

"Sincerely I am quite disappointed to miss out on the first row," said Rossi. "Usually I don't mind so much but here, in Mugello, it's special so I am sorry for this.

"It was a great fight today and we had good potential for the pole position but in the end we lost the front row to Loris, who did a great lap."

Lorenzo has already said that Rossi is likely to be stronger in the race, and the Italian agreed.

"Our setting is good, we have some small details to check but our race pace with the harder tyre is very good so I am not too worried," said Rossi.

"Of course starting from the second row makes life a little more difficult but we don't think about this."

Yamaha team boss Davide Brivio also believes that Rossi will be tough to beat in race trim.

"As far as race preparation goes that was a good session, because we were always fast," he said. "In the hot laps with the soft tyres at the end we just missed out on the front row but this is not the end of the world.

"Our race set-up is very good and, although starting from fourth makes our job a little harder, we know that Valentino will be in the fight tomorrow."