Melandri sceptical about race prospects

The Gresini Honda rider, who finished on the podium at Donington Park last year, has qualified ninth but expects a difficult race regardless of the weather.

"In the fast sections I can let the bike run and I am fast but we're still struggling to set the bike up for the long braking," said Melandri.

"It's a problem we've had since the start of the season and it doesn't allow me to ride as I like.

"It will be a tough race tomorrow - even more so if it rains, because the track here is very slippery."

Melandri's teammate Toni Elias took 10th despite having to switch to his spare bike last in the session.

He is more optimistic about his chances should conditions remain dry.

"We tried to make the most of the two hours we had on a dry track to prepare as best as possible for a dry race," said Elias.

"We struggled a bit this morning because we couldn't get the tyres up to optimum temperature. In the afternoon the situation improved and we're quite ready if it is dry tomorrow.

"Unfortunately we had a technical problem at the end and only got chance to use only one qualifying tyre, which means I was unable to set a good lap.

"I'm disappointed by that but I'm hoping for a dry race tomorrow."