Ducati's Valentino Rossi says he isn't praying for rain at Brno tomorrow as he is quite happy with the pace he has showed in dry conditions over MotoGP practice and qualifying.

The Doctor finished on the outside of row two this afternoon, confirming his speed from the initial session, and says that although a win would be very difficult he wants to stay with the top men as long as possible.

"Today confirmed the speed and position of yesterday and I was able to improve my pace and laptime. I think this weekend we work well on the bike and we are not so bad. Starting from the second row is important and for sure will be a bit more easy," said Rossi, speaking to bikesportnews.com this evening.

"We are not so far but all of the guys are very fast, especially the guys in front of me and find it a bit more easy to do 1'56s laps than me so we have some tenths to improve for close the gap. I lose in entry in some places but we have idea, especially for stop the bike in a better way.

"We have to wait for the condition of tomorrow because it looks like it change from the morning to the afternoon. It will be important to get a good start and be fast from the first lap for stay together.

"It looks like when I have the new softer tyre we have a better balance so I don't have the problem on the front, so it remain possible to push more and use the extra grip from the rear. Everything work in a better way. For win is very difficult, but is important to do a good race and stay with the other guys. I don't have any preference if it rain, as in the dry we are also not so bad."