Valentino Rossi says he has ditched the Sepang pre-season test setup and has already found a chunk more grip and pace on the first day of MotoGP free practice.

The Doctor finished fourth overall on the combined sheets, two-tenths behind Alex Rins, but was also able to run similar pace to Andrea Dovizioso and Marc Marquex, with a few laps in the 2'00s.

"We used a bike quite different compared to the test in February, and the feeling is better. So this is good. Also, after Phillip Island, we are strong here as well. Maverick is fast. So this is very positive for the bike and for the team," said Rossi, speaking at the track.

"After checking the data from Phillip Island, we worked a lot on the setting of the bike, and we improved the grip, especially from the rear tyre. And the first impression is positive, because I was good in the hot lap, but also the pace is not so bad.

"It's just Friday, we have to see, but the start was not so bad, and now we have to concentrate, especially on the tyre choice, because it's very open front and rear. Also we have to wait for the weather, and we hope that the dry will stay, especially for Sunday."