CAL Crutchlow has been learning the Catalunya track in Spain by following around his hero Valentino Rossi.

The Ramsey resident was a remarkable seventh fastest overall today (Friday) - day one of the MotoGP round at the circuit - despite never competing at the circuit before.

Qualifying takes place tomorrow and the race is on Sunday.

He said: "I really like the track. It seems to suit my riding style and it turned out to be a positive first day for me.

"I used the same set of slick tyres all day and I ran the hard rear tyre, so I'm sure I could have gone quicker if I'd used the softer option.

"I did a few laps in the wet but it wasn't really wet conditions and it was a bit of a waste of time.

"Learning the braking markers is one of the biggest challenges and in the first corner, I was losing 0.4s on the brakes just at that point.

"I could make up time in other places but you can't afford to lose that much time in just one corner.

"I followed Valentino for a little bit and that was nice because you can learn stuff really quickly.

"He is smooth as silk and it is incredible to be learning off somebody who is my hero, but if I keep improving there is no reason why I can't have a good qualifying and be fighting for the top 10 again in the race."

Cal's Tech3 Yamaha team mate Colin Edwards - who visited the TT in 2002 - has broken his collarbone so will miss the race.

Italian racer Rossi - who visited the TT in 2009 - is a nine time world champion. Seven of those championships were in the premiere class. He is riding for Ducati this season.