Aoyama back on top in first session

Setting a fastest lap time of 2’07.875 in the first practice at the Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Hiroshi Aoyama led the quarter-litre class by a margin of just 0.013s.

After the frustration of a seventh-placed finish in the red-flagged race at Phillip Island, the Scot Honda rider received a confidence boost as he bids to hold on to top spot in the World Championship standings.

In an exciting session in which the fastest lap was re-set a number of times, Alex Debon (Aeropuerto-Castello-Blusens) was fractionally slower than Aoyama, with Ratthapark Wilairot (Thai Honda PTT SAG) riding a great practice to finish a further 0.039s behind with the third-quickest time.

Mike di Meglio was the fourth rider to break the 2’08 barrier, with the championship’s third-placed rider Álvaro Bautista coming in at fifth quickest.

Reports of a dispute involving Héctor Barberá (Pepe World Team) and his team management were quickly resolved, as he emerged from his box after missing the opening ten minutes to set a best time of 2’08.285 – the sixth fastest of the session.

Mattia Pasini (Paddock GP Racing Team), Lukas Pesek (Auto Kelly – CP) and Raffaele de Rosa (Scot Racing) all came inside the top ten too, which was completed by Marco Simoncelli. The Metis Gilera rider finished 1.262s off title rival Aoyama’s pace, while there was a late crash for Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing).