We are not favourites, says Rossi

The Fiat Yamaha rider was almost nine tenths of seconds faster than second-placed Rizla Suzuki's John Hopkins.

"To start from pole is always important, but the race is tomorrow," said the Italian. "We're working to the maximum, but I don't think we are the number one favourites."

Rossi started from pole position in the last race at Istanbul Park as well, but then had an off on the first lap and progressively lost positions during the race due to a worn-out rear tyre and ended up tenth.

"We've shown our bike is competitive, but we'll see how it goes tomorrow, because we were on pole in Turkey too," he told TV channel Italia1. "In my opinion it will be tougher in the race.

"This afternoon we worked well however: I had a good pace on race tyres too. Now with Michelin we'll try to make the right choice for tomorrow. The bike seems sorted, so we'll see.

"I didn't think I could get such a lap time. I managed to get on the limit without making any mistake. I braked two or three times on the edge, but I managed to save it. I'm very happy. The Michelin qualifying tyres are very good.

Asked whether he'll use the new tyre Michelin brought for him for the race, he replied: "We still need to decide. That tyre has its advantages but also some drawbacks.

"So we'll have to make the right choice for the 22 laps and try to have as much tyre as possible for the last laps, in case of a last dice."