Biaggi tops final rain-ruined tests

Max Biaggi would normally have been delighted. But being top gun on the final day of these official MotoGP tests could hardly be considered setting the benchmark.

Rain ruined the Thursday testing at Jerez with most riders spending as much time as possible in the comfort of their motorhomes.

Practice laps were a puddle-dodging rain-sodden affair. Ducati’s Ruben Xaus was fastest in the morning, with a best of 1.54. Valentino Rossi set a 1.42.65 on Wednesday in brighter conditions. Click here for Wednesday times.Later Biaggi moved ahead of Xaus with some quick laps when the rain let up for a time.

The rain led to a few minor spills. Nicky Hayden, Norick Abe and Xaus all had them. Rossi ran off the track, too, but managed to keep it upright.

There are no more official tests before the opening MotoGP at Welkom on April 18.

Thursday times: 1. M. Biaggi (Honda); 1’53.834 – 39 laps, 2. R. Xaus (Ducati); 1’54.907 – 29 laps, 3. T. Bayliss (Ducati); 1’55.017 – 30 laps, 4. A. Barros (Honda); 1’55.544 – 13 laps, 5. N. Hayden (Honda); 1’58.695 – 43 laps, 6. K. Roberts (Suzuki); 1’58.751 – 7 laps, 7. M. Melandri (Yamaha); 1’59.117 – 36 laps, 8. V. Guareschi (Ducati); 1’59.783 – 24 laps, 9. C. Checa (Yamaha); 2’00.147 – 17 laps, 10. V. Rossi (Yamaha); 2’00.997 – 19 laps, 11. L. Capirossi (Ducati); 2’01.138 – 13 laps, 12. M. Tamada (Honda); 2’02.138 – 20 laps, 13. N. Abe (Yamaha); 2’02.240 – 13 laps, 14. G. Lavilla (Suzuki); 2’03.219 – 9 laps, 15. J. Hopkins (Suzuki); 2’08.494 – 13 lapsThinking of selling your bike? Click here. Find great bikes to buy: Click here

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