MotoGP testing has concluded at the Losail International Circuit just outside of Doha, Qatar, and sees Casey Stoner making a late push to take the top spot at what has become one of his top tracks in the past years. There was some doubt with Stoner though, as Rossi lead almost all of Thursday’s sessions, and was biting on Stoner’s heels today. Surprise appearances from the test come in the form of Ben Spies, Andrea Dovizioso, and Randy de Puniet. Spies finished Thursday third quickest, and was the fourth quickest rider overall. Dovi took the honors as the fastest Honda, but was challenged by de Puniet on Thursday for that spot. Thursday the French rider was 5th quickest, and managed to keep his shirt on despite the hot weather in Doha.
Friday saw Nicky Hayden make progress with the Ducati Desmosedici, while Colin Edwards slipped down the overall grid Friday, despite his strong numbers Thursday and consistent runs during both test days. Lorenzo and Pedrosa were both present for the track test, but not in spirit. Both riders were suffering from injuries, and it showed in their performance under the hot desert lights. Check past the jump for a full timing sheet.
Pos | Rider | Team | Session 1 | Session 2 | Diff |
1 | Casey Stoner | Ducati Marlboro Team | 1:55.717 | 1:55.353 | – |
2 | Valentino Rossi | Fiat Yamaha Team | 1:55.402 | 1:55.860 | +0.049 |
3 | Andrea Dovizioso | Repsol Honda Team | 1:56.811 | 1:55.879 | +0.526 |
4 | Ben Spies | Monster Yamaha Tech 3 | 1:55.954 | 1:56.779 | +0.601 |
5 | Nicky Hayden | Ducati Marlboro Team | 1:56.855 | 1:56.115 | +0.762 |
6 | Loris Capirossi | Rizla Suzuki MotoGP | 1:57.099 | 1:56.195 | +0.842 |
7 | Jorge Lorenzo | Fiat Yamaha Team | 1:56.838 | 1:56.504 | +1.151 |
8 | Randy De Puniet | LCR Honda MotoGP | 1:56.588 | 1:56.504 | +1.151 |
9 | Colin Edwards | Monster Yamaha Tech 3 | 1:56.540 | 1:56.722 | +1.187 |
10 | Mika Kallio | Pramac Racing Team | 1:56.923 | 1:56.767 | +1.414 |
11 | Aleix Espargaro | Pramac Racing Team | 1:57.898 | 1:56.897 | +1.544 |
12 | Alvaro Bautista | Rizla Suzuki MotoGP | 1:57.960 | 1:56.898 | +1.545 |
13 | Dani Pedrosa | Repsol Honda Team | 1:57.047 | 1:56.935 | +1.582 |
14 | Marco Melandri | San Carlo Honda Gresini | 1:57.605 | 1:57.222 | +1.869 |
15 | Hector Barbera | Aspar Team | 1:57.822 | 1:57.223 | +1.870 |
16 | Hiroshi Aoyama | Interwetten-Honda MotoGP | 1:57.888 | 1:57.251 | +1.898 |
17 | Marco Simoncelli | San Carlo Honda Gresini | 1:57.891 | 1:57.379 | +2.026 |
Source: MotoGP
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