'Secret software' helps Aoki.

Nobuatsu Aoki was the fastest Suzuki rider after today's free practice sessions for this weekend's Valencia Grand Prix in Spain, with team-mate John Hopkins just a tenth of a second behind.

Aoki, riding in only his second MotoGP race of the season and replacing the injured Kenny Roberts Jr, was an impressive twelfth fastest today - his performance having been boosted by some new engine management software, which helped the Japanese trim nearly two and a half seconds off his best morning time.

"In the morning I struggled a bit because I was riding what was still Kenny's bike. But this afternoon the guys adjusted the suspension and settings for me, which made it feel more like mine," began Aoki. "This gave me more feeling and more confidence.

"I have tested tyres today to find out what I will need for Sunday and we have also tried many other things. The biggest step this afternoon though was the new software - which I can't say much about as it is pretty secret - but it certainly made the torque of the bike easier and more comfortable to use," he revealed. "We still need to make adjustments and if we can make the right ones I am sure well can improve more."

Meanwhile, Hopkins is looking for more edge grip from his Bridgestone tyres to move him up the order tomorrow.

"We are struggling a bit with edge grip at the moment and need to get that right, but Bridgestone have brought some newer tyres and hopefully we can choose the right one for Sunday," said Hopper. "We are doing consistent times but we need to be doing them a second below what they are at the moment if we are to challenge in the race."

"After all the trials and tribulations of the last two races it is good to have a full day's practice with two riders under our belts," stated team manager Paul Denning. "Nobu has performed great considering this is only his second race of the year! He showed the biggest improvement by any rider this afternoon by shaving over two seconds from his best morning lap time.

"He used his crew to its full extent to get the GSV-R how he wanted it and his afternoon performance showed that. He has been testing some new engine management software and has given very good feedback on the difference it has made the bike's characteristics.

"John is still looking for some extra grip to give him the chance to show what he can do around this circuit. It is certainly a real racers track and should be suited to his all out style and I'm sure that between himself, his crew chief and Bridgestone they will find the best solution for tomorrow's practice and Sunday's race," insisted Denning.