Monster Yamaha's Valentino Rossi found some extra pace with some setup changes to his MotoGP M1 at Jerez and says he feels 'stronger' than last week.

The Doctor finished tunner-up to team-mate Maverick Vinales on the combined timesheet but was further off the pace in the hotter second second session but didn't take part in a time attack, preferring to work on race pace with the same tyre.

“We try to work always with the used tyre in the afternoon. For me personally I have a good feeling today because we changed the setting of the bike, I feel more comfortable, I can ride better," said Rossi, speaking at the track.

"It’s a positive Friday, because we changed something in the setting of the bike, and I feel better. I feel more comfortable, I can ride in a better way, and I improved my pace. So, this morning was very good. Anyway it’s difficult for everybody, but it looks like we are stronger than last week."

Rossi put in 12 laps in the 1'38s bracket with a hard front/soft rear combination.

In the afternoon, with the hotter temperatures, I suffered a bit more. But anyway, it was not so bad, and I was able to keep a good pace also with the used tyres.

"It’s not easy, because there are a lot of riders who are very fast, but also our pace is not bad. As always, tomorrow morning will be crucial.

"It will be very important to find the right spot to make the right lap time to stay in the top 10. We’ll have to try.

"I feel better with the bike compared to last week. We have to work because in some corners I’m not fantastic. But anyway, it was a positive day."