Casey Stoner led the way this morning but how fit will he be come race time?
Big news of the morning warm-up here from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the Red Bull U.S. GP was bruised and battered Casey Stoner topping the timesheets, logging a 1:21.918. Not to mention equally, if not more banged up Jorge Lorenzo ending fifth-fastest with a 1:22.512.
No doubt visibly shaken, Lorenzo was seen limping a good deal in his pit box after the session but was still able to log 13 laps, as many as just about any other rider. And while Stoner may have been top dog, it’s without question he looks to be feeling the pain as he only completed six laps and looks exhausted.
Lorenzo’s Fiat Yamaha teammate, and the clear favorite for today’s race, Valentino Rossi, was second-quickest this morning with a 1:21.998, followed by Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa at 1:22.252.
Marco Melandri had a big get-off in Turn 5, junking his Number 1 bike in a big way. Toni Elias then joined the Italian in the Laguna Seca gravel, only he lost the front going into the final Turn 11.
As for the American hopefuls, Colin Edwards led the way with the fourth-fastest time of 1:22.459. The Texan said yesterday if he fixed a couple issues this morning, then a podium could be possible. And judging by his performance this morning and the questionable fitness of both Stoner and Lorenzo, there’s no doubt Edwards could be a podium contender. Fellow American Hayden also jumped up the board slightly this morning on his Marlboro Ducati, finishing the session in the seventh spot.
RESULTS
1. Casey Stoner 1:21.918
2. Valentino Rossi 1:21.998
3. Dani Pedrosa 1:22.252
4. Colin Edwards 1:22.459
5. Jorge Lorenzo 1:22.512
6. Andrea Dovizioso 1:22.514
7. Nicky Hayden 1:22.777
8. Marco Melandri 1:23.051
9. Randy de Puniet 1:23.136
10. James Toseland 1:23.208
