Rossi wants stability

Valentino Rossi ended the second day of testing in Qatar today with the second fastest time as Yamaha’s new YZR-M1 800 contender continued to outgun its rivals.

Rossi finished second overall behind impressive team-mate Colin Edwards even though he was only sixth fastest this afternoon as he tried to improve braking stability.

The seven-times world champion clocked a best of 1.56.537 this morning but he was 0.3s slower this afternoon. 

In this afternoon’s three-hour session he was 0.8s slower than Edwards but he said: “I am happy because we are first and second again. 

“I tried some Michelin tyres this afternoon just to get some information, but found no real improvements.

“I have also been working to improve braking stability. We made a big step with this in Sepang but can still improve. 

“The problem is when you improve the braking stability you lose in other areas of the track.”

Rossi also said he was relieved to be in the Middle East to escape the crazy attention of female fans on Valentine’s Day. 

He said: “I am happy because Valentine’s Day in Italy is like work.”