Rossi happy with Yamaha speed

The four-time champion finished fourth and ninth in the two practice sessions, but has more confidence in the bike going into tomorrow's qualifying session.

"We improved the setting of the bike a lot and we are faster than we were at the test," the Italian said. "We struggled a little on the acceleration, but we modified the bike and it looks better.

"I am more confident on the throttle and able to ride the bike in a good way.

Just as last year, the top speeds through the speed trap at the Losail circuit were dominated by all four Ducatis.

Marco Melandri led the way with 327.9 km/h (203.7 mph) with Stoner 0.2 km/h behind, Elias on 324.9 km/h and Guintoli on 321.1 km/h. The first non-Yamaha was Lorenzo on 321.0 km/h, with Rossi on 319.4 km/h.

But Rossi was encouraged by the improvement in Yamaha's straight-line speed compared to last year.

"We have to work because we are still 8 km/h away from Ducati, but it's a lot better than the 18 km/h difference last year. We've improved by 10 km/h, so it's not so bad."