Rossi flying at 800 test

Valentino Rossi has gone fastest in the first test of the 800cc MotoGP era.

The former world champion rode both his 800 and 990 bikes in the same test on Wednesday at Valencia, managing to beat the closest 800, John Hopkins’ Suzuki, by 0.04 seconds.

Apart from Rossi himself, the only other riders to beat Rossi’s best 800cc time were Toni Elias and Marco Melandri, both on 990cc 2006 bikes..

Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen both came home before the first Honda, piloted by Dani Pedrosa.

Newly crowned champ Nicky Hayden was a further three places down behind Casey Stoner and Alex Barros.

Unofficial times:

Valentino Rossi, Camel Yamaha 990, 1:32.70

Toni Elias, Gresini Honda 990, 1:32.73

Marco Melandri, Gresini Honda 990, 1:32.90

Valentino Rossi, Camel Yamaha 800, 1:33.10

John Hopkins, Rizla Suzuki 800, 1:33.14

Loris Capirossi, Marlboro Ducati 800, 1:33.17

Chris Vermeulen, Rizla Suzuki 800, 1:33.18

Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda 800, 1:33.21

Casey Stoner, Ducati Marlboro 800, 1:33.43

Alex Barros, D’Antin Ducati 990, 1:33.64

Nicky Hayden, Repsol Honda 800, 1:33.66

Jeremy McWilliams, Ilmor SRT 800, 1:35.80

Andrew Pitt, Ilmor SRT 800, 1:36.60