From MotoGP files

Bridgestone seems to be concerned that cold temperatures may play a definite role against the competitiveness of its tyres in the season-opening MotoGP night race at Qatar.

Drivers Jorge Lorenzo and James Toseland, who dominated testing in Losail a week ago were nearly a second quicker than the Bridgestone-shod Casey Stoner on the Ducati.

Difference in track temperature between night and day is as high as 30 degrees centigrade colder. Bridgestone admitted that they were caught by surprise that left the Japanese manufacturer with plenty of work to do ahead of this weekend.

Michelin meanwhile has succeeded in bringing its tyres up to temperature more quickly, allowing its riders access to more grip much sooner - and the French company has revealed that this was a specific target set out for 2008.