Daily Update MotoGP

Valentino Rossi says he has no regrets about his switch to Bridgestone tyres in 2008 despite his rookie Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo's pace on Michelin rubber.

The five-time MotoGP champion was beaten by the reigning double 250 world champion in Qatar two weeks ago, and the Spaniard was 0.04s quicker than Rossi in free practice for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez.

But Rossi, who counts the southern Spanish track as one of his favourites, still believes that Bridgestone offers him a better chance of regaining the world title.

"For sure Michelin work a lot and improve," he said. "And Lorenzo rides very strong and also he has a very good pace, a very good rhythm. He has made a big step compared to the test, because in the test he was slower.

"But anyway we made this choice and like I say we need a little bit of time to understand [the tyres]. But I think we have a good potential anyway."

Rossi also paid tribute to Yamaha and complimented the factory squad's 2008-spec M1.

"First of all the bike has improved a lot," he said. "More than 10 km/h faster in Qatar and more than eight here in Jerez. We are also the top of the speed traps so Yamaha has worked very well. But not just the engine, also the electronic part so the bike is easier to control."

Asked if he thought his own performance has improved in 2008, Rossi replied: "If we compare the Valentino at the beginning of last year I say no, because at the beginning of last year I was strong and fast and also here at Jerez I won.

"If we compare Valentino at the end of last season, then for sure now I am in a better shape. I am more relaxed and confident and I feel in a good shape yes."
ref :autosport