Rossi dominates morning test
Valentino Rossi warmed up for today's qualifying simulation by setting the fastest time in morning practice at Jerez
The Italian former champion threw in a 1:39.363 lap in the final minute of the session, and with his teammate Colin Edwards - who had led the way for most of the morning - taking second place, the factory Yamahas look like being the bikes to beat in qualifying.
The Ducatis of Casey Stoner and Loris Capirossi ended up third and fourth, but Stoner's best time was nearly seven-tenths of a second shy of Rossi's benchmark.
World champion Nicky Hayden put his recent difficulties behind him to set the fifth fastest lap, ahead of Chris Vermeulen, Shinya Nakano and early pacesetter Dani Pedrosa.
The teams now have a one-hour break before this afternoon's 40-minute long 'qualifying' session, which has become the traditional curtain raiser for the MotoGP season.
The event does not count for championship points, but the fastest rider will win a new BMW road car.
Morning testing times:
Pos Driver Bike Time 1. Rossi Yamaha 1:39.363 2. Edwards Yamaha 1:39.799 3. Stoner Ducati Marlboro 1:40.011 4. Capirossi Ducati Marlboro 1:40.125 5. Hayden Repsol Honda 1:40.315 6. Vermeulen Rizla Suzuki 1:40.615 7. Nakano Konica Honda 1:40.723 8. Pedrosa Repsol Honda 1:41.001 9. Checa LCR Honda 1:41.290 10. Melandri Gresini Honda 1:41.520 11. Elias Gresini Honda 1:41.549 12. De Puniet Kawasaki 1:41.713 13. Barros Pramac d'Antin 1:41.770 14. Hofmann Pramac d'Antin 1:41.787 15. Roberts Jr. Team Roberts 1:41.818 16. Tamada Dunlop Yamaha 1:42.682 17. Jacque Kawasaki 1:42.707 18. Akiyoshi Rizla Suzuki 1:42.779 19. Pitt Ilmor 1:43.111 20. McWilliams Ilmor 1:43.246 21. Guintoli Dunlop Yamaha 1:43.309 22. Ito Ducati Marlboro 1:43.325 23. Guareschi Ducati Marlboro 1:44.811
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