Movistar Yamaha MotoGP's Valentino Rossi immediately displayed a solid pace today. He used the two sunny free practice sessions to the fullest to prepare for Sunday's Grand Prix de France, and secured third place in the combined results. Maverick Viales carried out his usual strategy, gradually building up his speed throughout the free practice sessions. At the end of FP1 he made it clear he is set on being a strong contender this weekend when he posted a provisional fastest lap on used tyres, and kept up the good work in the afternoon when he took fourth place in the combined timings.