Casey Stoner was on pace in the start of the practice session of the TIM TT Assen on Thursday, taking a best time only 0.011s off the leader Jorge Lorenzo, who headed the timesheet.

Adding to the steady improvements of some modifications to his front suspension, the Aussie feels he is gradually moving forward to the level he desires, however there is still more progress to be made.

“It’s been one part we’ve been struggling with this year and in the last few races that we have changed the fork we’ve made some good progress,” says Stoner. “The progress unfortunately has been a little bit slow. In Mugello we were never competitive, at Silverstone by race day we were feeling much better but then we weren’t able to make the start with the bike we had. So I’m a little disappointed because we should have had a podium result this year, quite a few I think, but it’s the way things have gone for us this season and we just need to keep focused for each race.”

He adds, “Today was no different. We made a few setting changes and improved the bike a little bit as the session went on, but we still have to make some more improvements. We’ll have a go tomorrow and see if we can make the bike turn a bit harder without losing too much traction in the rear, and we should be quite confident for the race.”

The Australian was satisfied with the changes to the Ruskenhoek turn at Assen, in which it has been shortened, and believes it suits his style better.

“The old corner where they have changed it now was probably the worst part of the track for me, and probably the worst part of the season!” Stoner continues. “The other bikes were able to run over the kerbs with a lot of confidence, and every time I tried to the bike wanted to highside me, so it was very difficult. This year for me it’s a lot better: a fast corner into another one. It’s actually made the track more like the old Assen, not so tight and twisty but faster and more flowing and for me it’s a lot more fun.”