MotoGP – Estoril FP2 – Duel between Pedrosa and Rossi, Stoner falls

There is something wrong. It's undeniable. Seeing Casey Stoner on the ground on his first lap, sliding at walking pace exiting the uphill “Gancho” hairpin, is something incredible. On the edge of reality. What happens to the Australian? Nothing, probably, a mistake that can happen to anyone in the precarious conditions of the Portuguese track, with still a few damp spots that can be misleading. Of course it's strange. Of course, this world championship truly promises continuous changes of direction, with balances to be reviewed race by race with few certainties, whether your name is Casey Stoner or Daniel Pedrosa, leader of the second free practice session today at the "Circuito do Estoril". Clear success in Jerez, great start in Portugal, where he showed good pace and a great level of Honda competitiveness in the hour available, as also confirmed by Nicky Hayden in fourth position.

The 1'38"507 is a significant time set by the Catalan, who today did not have to deal with Jorge Lorenzo, but with Valentino Rossi, immediately following with 40 thousandths of a gap and several times at the top of the monitor times. Pedrosa Vs Rossi, therefore. At least, that's how this day goes with Colin Edwards also in the role of third wheel, third and strengthened by the new pneumatic valve engine for his YZR-M1 (not so much for James Toseland, only 13th on a track unknown to him). However, there is no Casey Stoner, only seventh with a crash, tests held with the second bike and continuous gestures of annoyance in his garage. Signs of nervousness? We don't believe, we wait.

However, ahead of the World Champion we find Nicky Hayden and the marvelous rookies Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso, with Shinya Nakano not far behind for a top ten closed with Randy De Puniet and John Hopkins. Behind the Suzukis with Capirossi and Vermeulen, a feverish De Angelis was 14th and Stoner crashed shortly after with a notable high-side. A subpar performance, but enough to keep Marco Melandri behind him, 2 seconds from the top. Last time for Toni Elias, but with a justification: halfway through the session the 6-cylinder of his Desmosedici literally went "cooked". Considering the latest statements by Luis d'Antin, who pushed Ducati to provide him with renewed and more competitive bikes, it is to be believed that this diatribe will not end here.

Alessio Piana