The Fiat Yamaha star, who fractured a hand at the Valencian season finale earlier this month, has made the brave move from Michelin in an attempt to regain the world title he has lost for the past two seasons.
Rossi, who won the 2007 Spanish Grand Prix at
Jerez on March 23 - and took victory in a rally car at Monza on Sunday - went on to finish his first day on the Japanese rubber with the third fastest lap time.
The Doctor circulated 0.293secs slower than Ducati's new world champion
Casey Stoner, also on
Bridgestone tyres, but comfortably inside his best Michelin race lap from the grand prix.
However, Rossi was only 0.296secs in front of the best Michelin-shod M1 of
Colin Edwards, suggesting that the Italian didn't gain an instant grip advantage. Nevertheless, Rossi's 49 laps were enough to convince him that he'd made the correct decision.
"My first comment about the tyres is positive, and this has definitely been a positive day for us in terms of times and my feeling with the bike," declared Valentino. "My pace was not bad at all, even though my hand is still hurting, especially in braking. Let's say that I am at 90% fitness! I am happy with the choice I have made and I have great motivation for the task.
"Today it was also clear that there is a very high level of concentration from all the team members and this gives me even higher motivation, if possible. We have two more days, so it is not time for a final comment, but I am happy with the first day. Furthermore Furusawa-san is here, and this gives an idea of Yamaha's commitment to improve and to return to the top. Let's see how it goes tomorrow and let's hope it can be even better than it was today," he added.
