Yamaha MotoGP team launch - March 2008

At the team launch in Turin, held at Fiat's historic Lingotto factory, Rossi was enthusiastic about the challenge ahead, the first MotoGP season in which he'll be running on Bridgestone rubber.

At the conclusion of the three day Sepang test in late January, Lorenzo, who will be using Michelin tyres, was actually faster than Rossi, clocking a 2'00.755 fastest lap to Rossi's best of 2'01.425.

However, both Yamaha riders, and even Marlboro Ducati's Casey Stoner, were eclipsed by a 2'00.326 lap from Repsol Honda's Nicky Hayden.

Hayden's team mate, Dani Pedrosa, fractured his right hand in a crash and will likely miss all remaining pre-season tests.