Rossi predicts early slides.

So far, fans at the 2004 Catalan Grand Prix have been treated to a whole host of eye-watering power slides from their MotoGP heroes - and world champion Valentino Rossi expects more of the same should the intense Spanish sunshine continue boil their tyres again tomorrow.

"Tomorrow could be difficult because if the weather is like this the bike will start to slide after not many laps," said the Italian. "The team, Yamaha and Michelin have made a great job today for us to recover from our disadvantage. We have some new tyres and we still have a bit of other work to do, but I'm looking forward to it."

Rossi will start from second on the grid, behind world championship leader Sete Gibernau.

"Valentino is on the front row, which is very important for tomorrow," said team director Davide Brivio. "I think there are probably three or four guys who can fight for the win during the race. It's going to be hard but we are in good shape."