MotoGP news

Rossi well placed at Mugello

Valentino Rossi completed Friday's first practice just over a tenth of a second slower than Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo at Mugello. Italian Rossi, at home and with the knowledge that he has won the last seven Grands Prix in Italy, remains filled with optimism ahead of Saturday's qualifying session.

Rossi's Mugello 2008 win was his seventh consecutive victory in his homeland of Italy

"We did quite well today and it looks like we're in good shape," Valentino said after practice. "It is only Friday so there's a long way to go yet, but it's looking like it could be a great battle on the track because the first few riders are very close. We have a few small things to work on still with the settings - because I can't ride exactly how I want to yet - but we already have a good rhythm and we have important data to help us improve further."

Incredibly, Alex Barros' win for Sito Pons Honda team in 2001 was the last time any rider but Rossi clinched victory in Italy and the 30-year-old is not prepared to break that record this weekend. "This is a great track for me and it doesn't matter if Mugello comes after a bad race or a good one," he warned. "It's something apart from the 'normal' championship and I always feel great motivation, plus the sun is shining so I am very happy!"

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