Rossi enjoys Aragon, backs double practice

Valentino Rossi gave the return of two Friday practice sessions - albeit of a shorter length than usual - his firm backing after the trial format was used at the new Aragon circuit on Friday.

"I'm very happy about having four sessions again here [this weekend] and especially today because we got to try the bike in the wet and in the dry," said the reigning MotoGP champion.

"We gathered a lot of information; this morning in the dry I was sixth but this afternoon in the wet I was fourth and I was very pleased because it's a long time since I tried the bike in the rain.

"We need to improve our setting because we're not at the maximum but I am happy about this start."

The wet afternoon weather made it easier for Rossi to ride with his weakened shoulder, but for shear enjoyment he'd still like a dry race on Sunday.

"My leg is very good now but my shoulder is giving me some problems and we know we have to manage like this now until the end of the season," said the Italian, who looks set to undergo surgery this winter.

"It's easier for the shoulder in the wet but I would still prefer it to be dry because this is a fun track to ride on."

Rossi is without his Fiat Yamaha team manager Davide Brivio this weekend as he is at home recovering from a back injury.