Assen MotoGP: Casey Stoner surprised at stunning Assen pace

Reigning world champion Casey Stoner admitted being surprised at his own stunning pace today as the Aussie dominated free practice in Assen.

The Aussie smashed Nicky Hayden’s 2006 lap record by 1.1s as he posted a best time of 1.36.087.

Only three other riders lapped within a second of the 22-year-old, who has been in sensational form since he began using a revised engine management system during a test in Catalunya earlier this month.

Valentino Rossi was second but a massive 0.732secs adrift of Stoner, who produced a trademark victory just four days ago in the British MotoGP at Donington Park.

“Everything is working so much better,” beamed Stoner.

“We were interested to see how this new setting worked at this track after the performance in Catalunya and Donington and it is working well.

“I think it will work for all the tracks for the rest of the season. The new system gives me much more confidence and it is easier to ride than in 2007.

“I can use a harder compound tyre too now so this means we have got better performance at the end of the race because we have reduced the peakiness of the engine. We can use the power now because it is a lot smoother.”

Stoner’s impressive display came in dry but windy conditions at the historic Dutch venue and he said: “I did 37 flat early this morning which was lap record pace and that surprised me.

“It was very windy and I thought it would be difficult to go faster, so to go so much faster is a bit of a surprise. I am very happy at the moment.”