Injury slows Rossi

Valentino Rossi believes that he is losing at least half a second per lap as a result of his shoulder injury, which is still yet to fully heal following his Free Practice crash at Mugello last year. Thursday saw the former World Champion finish Sepang testing tenth fastest.

“Of course I was really finished by the end, in part because the rest of my body has to work differently," the Ducati man explained.

“My left arm has to do extra work, so it’s very tired, but I’m really happy with my shoulder because it’s improving day-by-day and, even after the stress of having ridden a MotoGP bike at the limit, I don’t have any problems.

“Now it’s just a question of strength. My mobility has improved a lot and I no longer think my physical limitations cost me a second – let’s say I lose five or six tenths, especially on braking and in corner entry."