Rossi tops in Barcelona Practice

Valentino Rossi showed his return to form is set to continue as he set the fastest time in Friday afternoon practice at the Catalan Grand Prix.

The World Champion Yamaha rider's who's form has returned to its best since his future to stay in MotoGp was decided last month lapped in 1.42.837 seconds on the Montmelo track, where he has won his last two races.

The Italian, who is fifth in the MotoGP standings, won his home race two weeks ago after a poor start to the season.

American Kenny Roberts was fastest in the morning but trailed Rossi by 0.093secs in the second session.

Local rider Dani Pedrosa, on a Honda, came in third, 0.199 seconds off Rossi's time, while Australian Chris Vermeulen on a Suzuki was in fourth.

Championship leader Loris Capirossi trailed in eighth, 0.596 seconds behind compatriot Rossi, while second-placed Nicky Hayden was back in 11th.

Rossi praised the work carried out by Yamaha in providing him with a new chassis.

"I'm very pleased because we have done a lot of hard work today and the lap times are good," he said.

"Earlier in the season we were losing time in practice trying to solve the vibration problems but now we are able to work in a normal way thanks to the new chassis.

"Really this bike is only four hours old so for it to already be working so well is a big encouragement and a good sign for the future."