The good news is that Michelin users shouldn't be at a disadvantage this weekend. The first day's free practice
showed that Mich man Colin Edwards was quick from the start and there were smiles, presumably of relief, a few minutes into the morning session. Even Jorge Lorenzo, whose confidence has been battered recently, was fast and happy.

There were also smiles in the Suzuki garage. Chris Vermeulen started the day on the new chassis the team tested after Brno, and Loris Capirossi swapped to it after starting on the old bike. The hope is that it will let them use the same front tyre as Stoner and Rossi.

As usual, Stoner was blindingly quick from the start. The only problem he has is an old wrist injury playing up a bit. Valentino Rossi doesn't appear too worried about his situation. He is losing time in the final split, mainly in the hard braking areas, while trying some experimental settings today. He is confident that modifications tomorrow will help. Interestingly, he doesn't think that it will be a two-man race: 'I expect more riders to be in touch.'

Casey Stoner isn't the complaining type, but he did mention an old wrist injury giving him some pain. It started after he adjusted his back protector prior to a run, and it got worse.

After the session a visit to the Clinica Mobile showed a scaphoid break from the 2003 season had re-opened. Casey intends to be out on track tomorrow but is aware he will have to take care.

In closing note: by the way, no-one is taking Kawasaki's press release at face value.