Rossi reveals set-up breakthrough

"Our best test was at Jerez this winter," said the former champion. "We found a better geometry and it worked today here at Qatar. We are now much better than the test here three weeks ago.

"We have taken weight off the front and that has helped me. When there is more weight on the front it tends to favour Colin."

He added: "I'm very happy with my Yamaha today, I can ride it well, I have a good rhythm and it's great fun to ride here in Qatar."

Rossi believes that the new tyre regulations introduced this year will be a help to his Yamaha team.

"For me, the new tyre rule is very good. Like this you know just what you have from the start, it's much more logical and there is less confusion for everyone.

"It means we can make decisions more quickly and I think, especially with a delicate bike like ours, that it's going to be helpful to have such a clear situation with tyres from the start of every weekend.

"Now let's see how we get on tomorrow and try to keep this rhythm going throughout the weekend."

Rossi has only used three rear tyres today from his allocation of 17 rears for the three-day Grand Prix meeting. That puts him in good stead for tomorrow's qualifying session.

He says he has his tyre chosen for the race, and so will ride a tyre that will not be used for the race in tomorrow's final free practice session.