Rossi: Front row shows our progress

The former champion switched from Michelin rubber for this season, and had lacked qualifying pace in the opening two rounds - starting only seventh and fifth.

But he improved on that form in Portugal, and was set for second behind Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo until Dani Pedrosa split them in the closing seconds.

"It was our objective to start on the first row and we managed to do it, so we are happy," Rossi told Italia1 television.

"Every time we fit the qualifying tyres it's a test for us. We tried the last tyre but I didn't finish the lap, unfortunately, but I'm happy. To be on the first row in the third race isn't bad, even though we need to work more."

Rossi feels he has lost too much ground to the leaders while coming through the top six in the first two races of the season, and hopes he will be in the lead fight from the start at Estoril.

"This is very important for tomorrow as the others go quick, and even starting on the second row would be very tough in the first laps," he said.

"We'll see tomorrow. In my opinion we are well sorted, and I managed to ride well. We'll have to see our pace over 28 laps.

"The thing I like most is that we have understood many things in these races, and our bike is well sorted. Let's hope for the best tomorrow."