MotoGP gears up for day two in Australia

A day of stable weather conditions with six dry sessions appears to on the cards as the 2008 Australian Grand Prix continues at Phillip Island on Saturday.

Friday saw dry conditions before lunchtime, followed by prolonged showers in the afternoon and this spectacular venue´s proximity to the Bass Straight means rapid changes in weather are no surprise – meaning that the World Championship teams will be prepared for all conditions for their free practice and qualifying runs today even if the early sunshine suggests a dry day ahead.

Having received their `MotoGP Champions Towers´ in recognition of their respective World Championship wins on Friday, MotoGP Legends Wayne Gardner and Mick Doohan will be at the track again today, cheering on Casey Stoner (who was honoured at the same presentation) in his quest to remain at the top of the timesheets.

Stoner was the fastest man on Friday and later this afternoon he will attempt to improve on the third place grid slot he achieved at his home race last year, which he of course went on to win.

The usual suspects Valentino Rossi, Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo will attempt to stand in Stoner´s way – whilst the likes of Friday´s fastest wet rider Nicky Hayden and home favourites Chris Vermeulen and Anthony West will be worth keeping an eye on, should the outside chance of the rain returning actually come to pass.