Jerez GP Free Practice: Lorenzo cruises to early lead

Jorge Lorenzo was the fastest rider of the opening day of his home GP today at Jerez, easily taking the lead in both free practice sessions.

Lorenzo, who had a corner at the circuit named after him yesterday, spent most of the opening session in second, behind fellow Spaniard Dani Pedrosa.

Repsol Honda’s Pedrosa spent most of the session in front, until a late charge from Lorenzo saw him clinch it by only 0.003. Valentino Rossi was third.

Once the second session finally got underway after a paddock power cut, Lorenzo resumed previous form, taking two tenths off his time and easily maintaining his provisional pole.

Cal Crutchlow rode an excellent second position, only 0.171 back on Lorenzo, with pedrosa demoted to third and Rossi fourth. Championship leader Marc marquez was fifth.

The CRTs surprised once again, with strong rides by Hector Barbera and Aleix Espargaro eight and nine respectivly, ahead of Hayden (10th), Dovizioso (11th) and Bradl (14th) on factory bikes.

Tech 3 rider Bradley Smith was 13th, while the CRT amchine of Michael laverty was 22nd.