Alex Rins♋ says it was a thrill to watch his speedometer hit the 350km/h (217mph) mark during free practice for the Italian MotoGP as his Suzuki proved competitive at Mugello.

Though Rins has produced a series of fine Sunday performances this season, the Spaniard has lacked in single lap pace on Saturday. However, after setting the seventh fastest time, the youngster – currently third in the standings after a ꦍwin in Austin – believes he has found a good direction alrea🥂dy.

At the very least, Rins was excited to be hitti♒ng a hu🏅ge – albeit Ducati-assisted - 350km/h top speed down the home straight.

“Practice went well, and I’m pr൲ovisionally in Q2. I tried some tyres today and I found that I liked both the hard and the medium front🌸. I’m not doing anything differently to Le Mans, but I feel much better here, and my times are better.

“Setting the fast lap was exciting, I was behind Dovizioso on that lap, and it was nice to get 350 kilometres per hour. Compared to last year we’🌸ve improved on top speed, but also in other areas such as cornering.”

Team-mate Joan Mir was similarly dsatisfied with his performance, ending up 15th just 0.8secs off the top spot.

“I’m pleased with the work done today; I’ve improved a lot. We’ve approached thi♉s first day in a calm way, j♛ust learning and understanding the best lines and the best way with the bike.

“I’m losing around six tenths in the last sect🦹or, so if we can improve that part of the track then I’ll be able to fight near the front. My aim is to get directly into Q2 tomorrow.”