New engine boosts Suzuki riders

Though the pair ended the one hour session ninth and 13th respectively, both Capirossi and Vermeulen believe the motor could represent a step forward for the team, which has languished in the midfield for much of this season.

"It has not been too bad today with the new engine we have received here from Suzuki, but we can certainly go a lot quicker," said Capirossi, who lapped nearly 2secs slower than pace-setter Jorge Lorenzo. "At the end of the session I made several changes and when I went back out I suffered with some vibration problems which we will need to look at tonight to see what has caused that.

"The latest engine seems good and I think it will give us a great opportunity from here until the end of the season to get some good results."

Chris Vermeulen, who also revealed he has now fully recovered from the injuries he picked up at Laguna Seca, said he expected to be able to use the potential of the new engine to better effect over the weekend.

"We tried a lot of things, including all the tyre compounds and two very different set-ups," said the Australian. "I am not happy with the lap-time and the position, but the potential in the bike when we put the right pieces together looks very promising.

"We will make those adjustments first thing tomorrow and hopefully they'll make us go a lot quicker."