Rossi encouraged by practice pace

The Italian set the quickest time of the morning session and was within two tenths of Casey Stoner this afternoon, succeeding in his aim to be close enough to the Ducati rider throughout the weekend to compete for victory on Sunday.

Rossi found the recently resurfaced Brno asphalt to his liking and says the team worked through their tyre testing programme today with rain forecast tomorrow.

"Today has started very well," he said. "I am very happy with my bike and with our tyres, it seems that Bridgestone are working very well here so far.

"The new asphalt is good, much better than last year, and the grip improved throughout the day so I think they have done a good job.

"Casey is strong again here so it looks like being a hard race, but we've made a good start. Tomorrow it could rain, which is a pity, but we've found a good setting so hopefully even if it is wet, we will be in good shape for Sunday."

Rossi added that Yamaha will try some engine modifications in the post-race test at Brno on Monday.