Rossi top by half-a-second

Valentino Rossi went straight to the top of free practice times today, posting a time half-a-second clear of Max Biaggi, his nearest rival.

Rossi completed 21 laps, with a best time of 2:01.404, with Biaggi in second on 18 laps and a time of 2:02.095. Sensationally third is Colin Edwards of the Alice Aprilia with 2:02.340. Works Ducati Riders Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss round out the top five, with Brit Jeremy McWilliams languishing in 21st, and only completing 8 laps.

Free Practice times:

1) Rossi 2:01.404. 2) Biaggi 2:02.095. 3) Edwards 2:02.340. 4) Capirossi 2:02.592. 5) Bayliss 2:02.727. 6) Barross 2:03.009. 7) Checa 2:03.092. 8) Gibernau 2:03.452. 9) Ukawa 2:03.483. 10) Haga 2:03.800. 11) Melandri 2:03.881. 12) Jacque 2:03.942. 13) Nakano 2:04.410. 14) Hayden 2:04.482. 15) Hopkins 2:04.645. 16) Hofmann 2:04.689. 17) Kagayama 2:05.010. 18) Pitt 2:05.511. 19) Tamada 2:05.853. 20) McCoy 2:06.786. 21) McWilliams 2:07.207. 22) Aoki 2:08.350. 23) Kiyonari 2:08.822.

We’ll have regular updates on the racing through the next few days. You can discuss these results by clicking on the link on the right.