Monster Yamaha's James Toseland has made radical adjustments to the sitting position and rear shock setings of his YZR-M1 and although he is less comfortable on the bike, he reckons he is going a lot quicker at the Assen MotoGP circuit.

The former World Superbike Champion finished today's first free practice in ninth, but is less than half a second off the pace of surprise fastest man Randy De Puniet.

The Isle of Man resident has been under the tutelage of Masahiko Nakajima, the Fiat Yamaha team director, and is using softer rear shock spring and revised footpeg, handlebar and seat position this weekend.

"I know this track very well and that makes a massive difference when you come to a familiar track. All my knowledge of this place means I'm not thinking about where I need to be and I can just concentrate on the bike," said Toseland.

"I'm not too worried about being in ninth because the times are so close and I'm only half-a-second off first. I'm just pleased that I'm close to the front on the first day rather than being 1.1 or 1.2s off. My bike was a lot different today and we've moved more weight to the back.

"My bike has been set-up for a lot of grip, but as soon as the race tyre started to wear, I struggled and it's amazing how sensitive these bikes are to weight. We've gone a lot softer on the rear spring to get more load on the rear and I've got the grip and the drive now.

"I'd like to thank Mr Nakajima from Yamaha. I had a meeting with him on Sunday night in Barcelona and he has been in my garage all through that session giving me some help and I really appreciate his effort. This new setting feels quite a bit different because we've changed footpeg and handlebar position too, and while it doesn't feel as comfortable as my old setting, I'm definitely going round the track quicker and that's the main thing.”
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