Biaggi: I'll attack Kato tomorrow.

Max Biaggi was bang on the pace at Motegi today, well up to the dramatically faster pace at this stop-and-go track where the four-stroke MotoGP bikes can use their horsepower advantage to good effect.

The Marlboro Yamaha Team man went quickest with six minutes to go, bettering Daijiro Kato by three tenths, but the Japanese hotshot's final lap was just enough to put him back in front.

"I'm quite happy, the sun seems to help," smiled Biaggi, who's already scored three pole positions this year. "We've worked well today, and I'm very focused and highly motivated. This is our first time here with the M1, so we're still looking for the best set-up, though we already have a clear idea of which direction to take and we have more things to try tomorrow."

The Roman Emperor then stated that he'll be going all out for pole in tomorrow's crucial second session - providing it doesn't rain. "I hope the weather stays nice so I can attack Kato tomorrow," he declared.

"I'm happy with today's result but tomorrow can be better for us," said M1 project leader Ichiro Yoda. "We have a new engine spec here, both riders have one bike each fitted with this spec, so they can make back-to-back comparisons."