Jorge Lorenzo sets stunning Mugello practice pace for Yamaha
Jorge Lorenzo showed that his Friday confidence was well-founded as he beat Marco Simoncelli to the fastest time in final practice with the fastest ever MotoGP lap of Mugello
Although Lorenzo was only fourth quickest in Friday's only dry session, he was optimistic that his Yamaha could be a match for the Hondas on pure pace in Italy.
He proved that in a session-long battle with Gresini Honda's Marco Simoncelli this morning. Going into the final two minutes, Lorenzo had put himself back on top, but was beaten by Simoncelli's 1m48.411s.
Lorenzo then responded with a remarkable 1m48.080s - quicker even than the best qualifying laps of the tyre war days - to take first place back by 0.331 seconds. He followed it up with a 1m48.2s to emphasise the Yamaha's pace.
Honda's Casey Stoner intruded on Lorenzo and Simoncelli's fight to lead the session for a while before ending up third - the points leader 0.7s down on Lorenzo.
Assen winner Ben Spies was fourth on the second works Yamaha, ahead of Tech 3 Yamaha man Colin Edwards, Honda's Andrea Dovizioso and Ducati team-mates Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi. Randy de Puniet took an encouraging ninth on the sole Pramac Ducati in action this weekend.
Dani Pedrosa was back in 12th as he continued to play himself back in following his injury absence.
Pos Rider Team/Bike Time Gap 1. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 1m48.080s 2. Marco Simoncelli Gresini Honda 1m48.411s + 0.331s 3. Casey Stoner Honda 1m48.734s + 0.654s 4. Ben Spies Yamaha 1m49.072s + 0.992s 5. Colin Edwards Tech 3 Yamaha 1m49.078s + 0.998s 6. Andrea Dovizioso Honda 1m49.132s + 1.052s 7. Nicky Hayden Ducati 1m49.756s + 1.676s 8. Valentino Rossi Ducati 1m49.889s + 1.809s 9. Randy de Puniet Pramac Ducati 1m49.985s + 1.905s 10. Alvaro Bautista Suzuki 1m49.994s + 1.914s 11. Cal Crutchlow Tech 3 Yamaha 1m50.002s + 1.922s 12. Dani Pedrosa Honda 1m50.296s + 2.216s 13. Hiroshi Aoyama Gresini Honda 1m50.440s + 2.360s 14. Karel Abraham Cardion Ducati 1m50.859s + 2.779s 15. Toni Elias LCR Honda 1m51.043s + 2.963s 16. Hector Barbera Aspar Ducati 1m51.145s + 3.065s
Hamilton accepts blame for incident with Albon in F1 Brazilian GP
Hamilton accepts blame for incident with Albon in F1 Brazilian GP Hamilton accepts blame for incident with Albon in F1 Brazilian GP
Ferrari drivers called to F1 stewards over Brazilian GP collision
Ferrari drivers called to F1 stewards over Brazilian GP collision Ferrari drivers called to F1 stewards over Brazilian GP collision
Will Alonso's Indy failure end the age of versatility?
Will Alonso's Indy failure end the age of versatility? Will Alonso's Indy failure end the age of versatility?
Racing through injury: What Stroll can learn from past cases
Racing through injury: What Stroll can learn from past cases Racing through injury: What Stroll can learn from past cases
Jorge Lorenzo joins Porsche Supercup grid for 2023
Jorge Lorenzo joins Porsche Supercup grid for 2023 Jorge Lorenzo joins Porsche Supercup grid for 2023
Why a MotoGP legend needs to ditch social media and enjoy retirement
Why a MotoGP legend needs to ditch social media and enjoy retirement Why a MotoGP legend needs to ditch social media and enjoy retirement
Wittmann calls for “equal conditions” in BMW’s DTM camp after 2023 frustrations
Wittmann calls for “equal conditions” in BMW’s DTM camp after 2023 frustrations Wittmann calls for “equal conditions” in BMW’s DTM camp after 2023 frustrations
The long term potential that elevates F1 2023’s star appointment
The long term potential that elevates F1 2023’s star appointment The long term potential that elevates F1 2023’s star appointment
The lingering questions that remain from the unnecessary FIA/Wolff saga
The lingering questions that remain from the unnecessary FIA/Wolff saga The lingering questions that remain from the unnecessary FIA/Wolff saga
Kobayashi fastest as 32 drivers take part in Super Formula test at Suzuka
Kobayashi fastest as 32 drivers take part in Super Formula test at Suzuka Kobayashi fastest as 32 drivers take part in Super Formula test at Suzuka
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP? Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.