Gibernau sets fastest time in second free practice
SCARPERIA (Italy): Sete Gibernau responded to Valentino Rossi's best time in the first free practice by leading yesterday’s second session at the Italian Grand Prix.
The Spaniard registered the fastest lap of the day in the MotoGP division at 1:50.662.
Rossi led the morning session in 1:50.778, but could not improve on his time in the afternoon, clocking 1:50.854 for fourth.
Rossi holds a massive 37-point lead over Honda’s Marco Melandri after winning three of the season's first four races. Gibernau is third, 42 points behind.
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PROUD MOMENT: Valentino Rossi gives the thumbs-up while holding an honorary degree awarded by the University of Urbino in Italy on Tuesday. |
“The season is long and there are many races remaining.''
Rossi’s Italian rival Max Biaggi was second in both sessions, while Melandri was fifth and ninth.
Rossi said that the motorcycles have become so powerful with such great grip that it becomes a big strain for drivers.
“After five or six laps, it becomes difficult. The speeds are so high,'' said Rossi, who ran 21 laps in the afternoon session and 13 in the morning.
Sunday’s race is 23 laps.
“I’m happy, though,'' Rossi continued. The bike is finally where we want it. I’ve always had a tough time in qualifying, so I’m not worried.''
The 5.245km (3.25-mile) Mugello circuit, nestled in the Tuscan hills near Florence, is one of Rossi's favourite tracks. He has won here the past three years.
Both Gibernau and Rossi complained that there were lots of holes in the track, jolting their bikes up and down.
Qualifying will be held today.
Australia’s Casey Stoner took the provisional pole in the 250cc class with a time of 1:53.847, followed by Alex De Angelis of San Marino in 1:54.101, and Argentina’s Sebastian Porto in 1:54.149.
Championship leader Daniel Pedrosa of Spain sat fourth.
In the 125cc class, standings leader Mika Kallio of Finland took the provisional pole in 1:59.288, followed by Italy's Mattia Pasini in 1:59.776, and Hector Faubel of Spain at 1:59.837. – AP
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