MotoGP – Losail FP2 – Yamaha double, Valentino Rossi in the lead

The Yamahas on the run. This is the response to the first day of activity at the Losail Circuit, with the YZR M1 800cc of Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards leading the standings after the second free practice session in the afternoon, leading Casey Stoner on the Ducati and a competitive (despite the pain on the right wrist) Hopkins riding the Suzuki. In fact, the theme of the tests carried out in Qatar returns, with the FIAT-clad pair grinding out kilometer after kilometre, with a decidedly competitive race pace capable of separating the competition. The two M1s are chased by a large group of riders (9 in 1 second) including Daniel Pedrosa, sixth and very active (25 laps) on the Middle Eastern track, for an HRC which mysteriously sees Nicky Hayden 15th, 1"458 from Valentino Rossi, worst Honda in the standings.

Mysteries of a testing Thursday that reflects the essence of the February tests. The Yamahas are very strong here and the YZR M1 800cc really seems to be a bike close to perfection, without any particular defects or youth problems. Valentino Rossi and his 1'56″ 464 are enough to verify the state of form of the Italian team, the best confirmation of which comes from the performances of Edwards, at ease with the M1. HRC chapter: Pedrosa benefited from a new exhaust today, he achieved a decent sixth time, but it is in the next garage that the antennas are raised.

Nicky Hayden 15th, very far from the top, never able to set a decent time, momentarily the worst Honda in the standings. What happen? Classic mystery of the first day of HRC school: every year you are always in difficulty in the first practice sessions. Tradition or simple coincidence? Unfortunately for the World Champion it is the emblem of a difficult moment and of a feeling with the bike, declarations of circumstance or otherwise, never realistically found. Too bad, good job to Nicky, congratulations instead to his compatriot John Hopkins, battered but fourth in the standings behind the positive Stoner and ahead of the "surprise" Checa (poleman, let's remember, in 2004). The Italians also did well with Melandri and Capirossi 7th and 8th. Tomorrow promises to be a spectacular qualifying, but with the Yamahas clearly ahead. Second script.

Alessio Piana