Riders split over Laguna surface

Former champion Valentino Rossi - who had previously been a harsh critic of the track - has welcomed the new surface, but his title rival Casey Stoner reckoned the resurfacing had actually worsened the bumps.

Although Stoner was fastest in the session, he was far from content with the venue.

"This morning we had a few difficulties getting used to the track," he said.

"For sure, the conditions feel a lot worse than they did last year.

"The surface is maybe a little better but the bumps are worse, the track is really bumpy now."

Stoner's Ducati teammate Loris Capirossi agreed that the bumps remained a problem, but was more positive about the grip level.

"Compared to last year the track is still full of bumps but the asphalt is a bit better, even if it's still quite dirty," Capirossi said.

However Rossi was extremely positive about the changes.

"The condition of the track is a lot, lot better than last year," he said.

"Like a lot of tracks, there are always some bumps, but now it's possible to try to ride the bike.

"It's less bumpy than last year and the new asphalt has quite good grip, so it's a good start."

He also felt that the reduction in engine capacity to 800cc this season had made the MotoGP bikes more suitable for the twisty Californian track.

"Now it's possible to use more of the engine," Rossi said.

"Last year it was a nightmare.

"With less bumps, good grip, now they've done a good job and I'm happy."