Rossi feeling physically better but in search of grip

Valentino Rossi completed a first day of work at Indianapolis satisfied with how he felt physically, but with the intention of finding more grip on his Fiat Yamaha M1 machine ahead of qualifying on Saturday.

Continuing his return to full fitness the Italian went fifth fastest in the hour-long practice, 0.739s off pace setter Casey Stoner. Rossi then outlined an improvement in his machine as he aims for a good spot on the grid for Sunday’s race.

"My physical condition is much better here; I so still have some pain but it's not too bad so I am not worried,” said the 31 year-old. “I am feeling confident on the bike but we have to improve our setting in order to improve our pace because we are lacking some grip here. It's not an easy track because there are a lot of bumps.”

“We did quite a lot of work today but it wasn't enough and the gap to the top is too much. Our target for tomorrow morning is to close this gap so that we're in better shape to push for a good position on the grid."

Rossi won the inaugural Indianapolis race in 2008 from pole position and qualified in third position last year before a crash in the race.