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Stoner leads first day in Qatar

Casey Stoner was the fastest man on track on both the first and second free practice session under the lights of Qatar. In Friday's second free practice session Stoner was only just ahead of Yamaha rider Lorenzo who was second fastest again. Toseland showed a promising performance with his third fastest time.

The second free practice session on Friday evening was yet another interesting session to watch. Defending world champion Casey Stoner and rookie rider Jorge Lorenzo were leading for most of the session. The other rookie riders that were impressing the fans in Qatar were James Toseland and Andrea Dovizioso ending the session on third and fifth position.

There were two crashes in the one-hour practice session. Dani Pedrosa fell of his bike after he tried to avoid crashing into a slowly riding Valentino Rossi. Pedrosa rode into the back of Rossi and fell in the gravel. The Spaniard was unable to continue and finished the session in P11.

Anthony West was the second man crashing in Qatar. He was unable to stay on his bike going into the chicane with too much speed. He lost control and flew of his Kawasaki ending the day in 17th.

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