Jerez test: Valentino Rossi delighted with 2009 Yamaha

Valentino Rossi declared himself delighted with the performance of Yamaha’s 2009 factory YZR-M1 prototype as he ended the opening day of testing in Jerez with the second quickest time.

The Italian, who won a sixth premier class world title in 2009, logged a best time of 1.40.135 on the 25th of a 39-lap stint at a chilly Jerez today.

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Rossi led the timesheets for most of the day, needing only seven laps earlier to jump to the top of the timesheets, but was relegated to second when Spaniard Dani Pedrosa posted an impressive best of 1.39.525.

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Rossi was 0.610s off the Honda rider but a massive 1.028s clear of Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, who ended the day in third with a best time of 1.41.163.

Rossi tested some new engine parts fitted to his 2008 spec M1 to check the engine improvements and the 29-year-old told MCN: “I am really happy with the performance of the new prototype. We have improved the engine performance and the chassis too, so it shows that Yamaha has not relaxed after winning the championship.

“They have stayed very concentrated and it is important that they continue to work in this way. We have improved the acceleration and the bike is also improved on stability with the front and rear with the chassis.

“The first feeling with the new bike was positive in Valencia a few weeks ago, and it is positive again today, and the best thing is we have some clear ideas already on how to improve the bike for the future.”

See a full testing round-up from Jerez in next week’s MCN, including James Toseland’s Bridgestone debut, available on Wednesday, December 3.