VALENTINO ROSSI has recorded the fastest time during first Free Practice at Sepang ahead of this weekend's Malaysian GP.
The Fiat Yamaha rider clocked a best of 2:02.724 at the 5.5km circuit, 0.1 secs faster than Repsol Honda man Andrea Dovizioso, who placed second on the timing sheets with a 2:02.833.
Rossi's Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo (not sure the 'mate' tag is quite as apt given the current spat between the feuding pair) slipped into third fastest spot over 0.2 seconds behind Rossi.
Casey Stoner, the man we're tipping for a win on Sunday, couldn't match the pace of the top three, placing fourth with a 2:03.160.
Valentino Rossi:
"It's been another good start for us here and we found a good setting straight away. I am feeling very comfortable on the bike and so far my shoulder is okay here. The track is quite dirty but that will get better and I love riding at this track, it's one of my favourites and I am always happy to be on the bike here. We are confident that we will be able to make some more improvements tomorrow and be in good shape to try for the front row tomorrow afternoon."
Sepang Free Practice Times (1)
1. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha 2m 2.724s
2. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Repsol Honda 2m 2.833s
3. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Fiat Yamaha 2m 2.898s
4. Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro 2m 3.160s
5. Alvaro Bautista ESP Rizla Suzuki 2m 3.338s
6. Colin Edwards USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2m 3.393s
7. Marco Melandri ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini 2m 3.438s
8. Aleix Espargaro ESP Pramac Racing 2m 3.471s
9. Ben Spies USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2m 3.477s
10. Randy de Puniet FRA LCR Honda 2m 3.539s
11. Marco Simoncelli ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini 2m 3.680s
12. Loris Capirossi ITA Rizla Suzuki 2m 3.717s
13. Hector Barbera ESP Paginas Amarillas Aspar 2m 3.760s
14. Hiroshi Aoyama JPN Interwetten Honda 2m 3.769s
15. Nicky Hayden USA Ducati Marlboro 2m 3.947s
16. Mika Kallio FIN Pramac Racing 2m 4.023s
