Hopper remains on top

Suzuki’s John Hopkins stayed at the top of the timesheets at the major Sepang MotoGP test today, day two of the three day test there.

Hopkins and Suzuki team-mate Chris Vermeulen went quickest yesterday, and Hopper kept his place at the head of the field today.

This time he was ahead of Yamaha’s Colin Edwards less than 0.1s down, with Vermeulen third, and Valentino Rossi fifth.

Surprise fourth was Alex Barros on the D’Antin Ducati, now factory supported and with Bridgestones.

The firm is trying to make its satellite team much closer in performance to the works bikes to speed development. 

He was two spots ahead of works man Loris Capirossi, and Casey Stoner 10th.

Honda had a slowish day with the firm saying more bhp is on the offing for its riders.

Nicky Hayden was eighth and Dani Pedrosa ninth after a crash.

Randy De Puniet with Kawasaki was seventh.