Oxfordshire's Bradley Smith finished tenth fastest following yesterday’s two free practice sessions ahead of tomorrow’s Grand Prix of the Americas.
Marc Marquez, who was fastest in both sessions, set a leading time of two minutes 3.490 seconds to lay down a marker ahead of today’s qualifying sessions.
The Ducati of Andrea Dovizioso was second quickest and Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa third.
Andrea Iannone was fourth, with Valentino Rossi completing the top five. Smith’s former Monster Yamaha Tech3 teammate and fellow Briton Cal Crutchlow was ninth fastest.
Smith, who last year scored his first championship points on the Austin track, was pleased with his performance, though he felt there was more to come.
“Positive day here in Austin,” he told his followers on Twitter. “1.2 (secs) faster than last year and still room for improvement. “Time to put my head in some data and close that gap.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here