Top speed record no consolation for Dovi

Andrea Dovizioso set a new MotoGP top speed record of 356.4km/h (221.5mph) during Friday afternoon practice for the Italian Grand Prix.

That beat the previous record of 354.9 by former Ducati team-mate Andrea Iannone in the 2016 Mugello race.

But the day was overshadowed by a big accident for Ducati test and wild-card rider Michele Pirro, then a major engine failure for Dovizioso.

"Today I'm just angry about how the day went, I don't care about the top speed! I'm happy about it, but we don't really care," said the defending Italian Grand Prix winner, who was only 13th overall on the combined practice times.

"We had a problem with the engine, but apart from that, when we changed the bike, the tyre we put on didn't work. For sure there was a problem.

"It's very bad, because we lose two sessions – this morning the conditions were strange for everybody and in this afternoon, we couldn't work.

"So it's not the best situation, but it is what it is, and we have to try to manage this situation."

Dovizioso couldn't provide any further details regarding the engine problem , but did admit that the scene of Pirro's accident - under braking on the main straight - scares him every time.

"Every time I make that part of the track, I'm scared. Every time. Because the power is more and everything becomes always more and more, and the jump there is, not dangerous, but on the limit every time I go over the bump [on the main straight]."

The Italian said that the wing fairing can help remain in contact over the crest but that he wasn't using it today due to the loss of straight-line speed.

"If you have the winglets or not makes a big difference. But most of the riders have them, so for them maybe it's not a problem."

Team-mate Jorge Lorenzo was tenth fastest, one place ahead of Pirro, who had been second in the morning session but is now doubtful for the rest of the weekend despite escaping serious injury.