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Rossi sets hot pace in Malaysia

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Five-time champion Valentino Rossi served notice of his intent to regain his world MotoGP title with a blistering performance on the final day of testing for the 2007 season in Malaysia.

The only rider to go below the two minutes one seconds ark throughout the three-day tests, the Italian ace recorded a lap time of two minutes 00.936 seconds and said this week's trials had provided a platform for his Yamaha team to reclaim the world crown.

"I am very happy with the new bike," he said of his prototype 800cc Yamaha machine.

"We now have found a good level to continue working on the bike," he said, adding that there were still areas like power delivery and electronics that needed to be improved.

Rossi lost his world title in sensational fashion to American Nicky Hayden in the final race of the 2006 season in Valencia last year, but is aware of the growing challenge of Suzuki in the coming season.

"I think the Suzuki riders were the most impressive at the testing here. The Kawasaki and Ducati riders were also good and this is very good for the championship," he said.

Suzuki's John Hopkins had set the previous fastest time of two minutes 1.026 seconds.

The teams from Honda, Suzuki and Ducati will now proceed to Phillip Island in Melbourne, Australia for a three-day testing session from January 30 to February 1.

Malaysia will host the next tests from February 5 to 7, which will be followed by two more sessions in Qatar and Jerez before the 18-round world championship kicks off in Qatar.

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