MotoGP news

Stoner dominates first practice

Casey Stoner was clear fastest in the opening practice session for this weekend's German Grand Prix. The Ducati rider topped the timesheets for almost all of the one-hour session at the Sachsenring.

Carlos Checa was the leader of the chasing pack and managed to get to within seven tenths of a second of Stoner's best - 1:23.058s. John Hopkins was third fastest for Rizla Suzuki, after announcing that he will be switching to Kawasaki for 2008.

Colin Edwards was fourth for Fiat Yamaha ahead of Gresini Honda's Marco Melandri. Almost two seconds slower than Melandri was Elias' stand-in Michel Fabrizio in 17th place as he struggled to hit the pace.

Randy de Puniet and Nicky Hayden were sixth and seventh ahead of Valentino Rossi in the second Fiat Yamaha. Rookie Sylvain Guintoli, showing one of his flashes of brilliance, was an impressive ninth behind the five-time world champion on his Tech 3 Yamaha.

Hayden, de Puniet both fell during the session, without sustaining injury. Alex Barros of Pramac D'Antin had the biggest crash, almost crushing his hand, but luckily emerged uninjured.

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• 27 Nov.
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• 26 Nov.
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• 21 Nov.
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• 20 Nov.
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• 04 Nov.
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• 28 Oct.
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• 27 Oct.
  • Photos: Monday in Valencia
  • Stoner fastest on first day of testing
• 26 Oct.
  • Photos: Sunday in Valencia
  • Stoner storms to Spanish win
• 25 Oct.
  • Photos: Saturday in Valencia
  • Stoner steals Valencia pole
  • Hayden stays top in final practice
• 24 Oct.
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  • Photos: Friday in Valencia
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• 23 Oct.
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• 19 Oct.
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• 18 Oct.
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• 17 Oct.
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• 13 Oct.
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• 05 Oct.
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