Stoner leads opening practice session
Championship leader Casey Stoner dominated the first practice session for the Czech Grand Prix at Brno
The Ducati rider led the way for the majority of the hour, and his 1:58.881 lap was six tenths of a second clear of nearest rival John Hopkins (Suzuki).
Stoner's teammate Loris Capirossi, who confirmed yesterday that he will join Suzuki next season, completed an all-Bridgestone top three.
Valentino Rossi was the best of the Michelin riders in fourth, but was just over a second behind his title rival.
His Yamaha teammate Colin Edwards and top Honda representative Dani Pedrosa completed the top six.
On his return after recovering from a broken leg, Toni Elias set the tenth fastest time, five places clear of his Gresini Honda teammate Marco Melandri, who also had to wait for medical clearance to race after his large accident at Laguna Seca.
Ivan Silva was 18th fastest on his first appearance deputising for Alex Hofmann at Pramac D'Antini Ducati.
Pos Rider Bike Time 1. Casey Stoner Ducati (B) 1:58.881 2. John Hopkins Suzuki (B) 1:59.543 + 0.662 3. Loris Capirossi Ducati (B) 1:59.765 + 0.884 4. Valentino Rossi Yamaha (M) 2:00.017 + 1.136 5. Colin Edwards Yamaha (M) 2:00.198 + 1.317 6. Daniel Pedrosa Honda (M) 2:00.228 + 1.347 7. Nicky Hayden Honda (M) 2:00.310 + 1.429 8. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki (B) 2:00.398 + 1.517 9. Randy de Puniet Kawasaki (B) 2:00.399 + 1.518 10. Toni Elias Honda (B) 2:00.678 + 1.797 11. Carlos Checa Honda (M) 2:00.782 + 1.901 12. Sylvain Guintoli Yamaha (D) 2:00.895 + 2.014 13. Alex Barros Ducati (B) 2:00.988 + 2.107 14. Anthony West Kawasaki (B) 2:01.003 + 2.122 15. Marco Melandri Honda (B) 2:01.318 + 2.437 16. Makoto Tamada Yamaha (D) 2:01.433 + 2.552 17. Shinya Nakano Honda (M) 2:01.559 + 2.678 18. Ivan Silva Ducati (B) 2:03.619 + 4.738 19. Kurtis Roberts KR (M) 2:03.662 + 4.781
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