Corser back on top

After a season hiding in the middle of the pack on the Foggy FP-1, Troy Corser is back on top taking the best time at a packed Pirelli test in Valencia.

Corser, who is now riding for Alstare Suzuki, took to the track for the three day test on the teams 2003 bike and still managed to set the fastest lap, .1 of a second ahead of 2004 runner up Regis Laconi.

Laconi spent most of the time on a modified version of his 2004 machine as there was only one 2005 999 available for the test and he had to share with team-mate James Toseland.

World champ Toseland had to quit the test early in order to fly back for a fancy dinner with Ducati boss Federico Minoli and finished the session third fastest, 0.9 seconds down on Corser.

The sole 2005 Ducati that was on show boasted full factory Öhlins front suspension and an all-new electronics package. And unusually the bike was still fitted with the starter motor.

Reigning Supersport champion Karl Muggeridge set the fourth fastest time .3 seconds behind Toseland after crashing his Ten Kate Fireblade on the second day, damaging the ligaments in his wrist.

Team-mate Chris Vermuelen sat out most of the test after struggling on the first day to cope with the after effects of a recent wrist operation.

Yamaha France rider Sebastien Gimbert equalled Muggers time on his Yamaha R1 which was fitted with a number of new race kit parts that Yamaha has developed for 2005. the factory backed Yamaha Italia rider Andrew Pitt spent the time trying out Nissin brakes .

New Foggy FP-1 rider Steven Martin kept a steady pace throughout the test trying out some of the 15 new rear tyres and seven new fronts that Pirelli had on offer. But team-mate Garry McCoy crashed twice in three days damaging the ligaments in his ankle in the second and leaving him the slowest rider at the test.

The Kawaski pairing of Chris Walker and Mauro Sanchini spent the time trying out Bitubo suspension but Walker switched back to Öhlins kit for the final day.

Final times:

Troy Corser 1:36.0

Regis Laconi 1:36.1

James Toseland 1:36.9

Karl Muggeridge 1:37.2

Sebastien Gimbert 1:37.2

Steve Martin 1:37.3

Lorenzo Lanzi 1:37.3

Andrew Pitt 1:37.5

Chris Walker 1:39.0

Mauro Sanchini 1:39.3

Garry McCoy 1:39.6