Sete quickest despite crash in FP1

Sete Gibernau posted the fastest time in the first free practice session for the Gran Premi Gauloises de Catalunya this morning, despite crashing from his Honda RC211V and completing the session on his second machine.

Alex Barros had set the pace early in the session but Gibernau soon took control, pushing slightly beyond the limit after setting a benchmark time of 1'44.219 that would not be surpassed.

Max Biaggi was third fastest ahead of Yamaha trio Carlos Checa, Marco Melandri and Valentino Rossi.

Dani Pedrosa took his first step towards repeating his home victory from last year's 125cc race with the quickest time in the morning practice for the 250cc class. Pedrosa set a time of 1'47.602 to head the time sheets from Randy De Puniet, Roby Rolfo and Alex De Angelis.

Andrea Dovizioso and Roberto Locatelli set the pace in the 125cc class to confirm their status as joint favourites for glory this weekend. Thomas Luthi, Robbin Harms and Raymond Schouten did not ride this morning and are ruled out of the weekend's action with injuries sustained at Mugello.