Rossi makes hay - while the rain falls.

Italian GP500 rookie Valentino Rossi has made an impact on the class this season, but knows that there are areas where he can still improve.

One of these is his performance in the wet and, despite taking podium finishes in less than ideal conditions on his trips to Spain this year, the 19-year old was intent on making the most of this week's wet test session in Barcelona.

While several of his rivals - including those who crashed out of last Sunday's Catalunya Grand Prix - did the minimum required of them in the conditions, Rossi was conspicuous by his presence on the Spanish track. The Nastro Azzuro Honda rider put both himself and his mount through the hoop, enjoying the luxury of an almost empty circuit on which to test his reflexes.

He was joined sporadically by the Repsol team, although reigning champion Alex Criville found his attempts to ride hampered by the injuries he suffered to his arm on Sunday. Sete Gibernau and Tady Okada both completed more laps than their Spanish team-mate, but found little benefit in pounding around all day.

Luca Cadalora also put in a half day's appearance, back on the Modenas KR3 for Kenny Roberts' team. The rain, however, prevented any meaningful running for the Italian, and he called it quits after lunch.

Rossi, though, kept at it and, if the test was of any benefit to him at all, it will surely show before the year is out.