Pedrosa steps up a level in early run

Following his modest start to the Jerez weekend on Friday, when he lapped down in tenth position and was more than 1.5s off the pace, Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa stepped up his rhythm at the southern Spanish track on Saturday morning - to lap fastest in the MotoGP free practice 2 run.

The surprise Motegi podium finisher demonstrated his competitiveness and his improving fitness with a best time of 1’39.422, which was almost two seconds better than his Friday pace.

Fractionally behind his compatriot and rival on the timesheet, Fiat Yamaha’s championship leading youngster Jorge Lorenzo trailed Pedrosa by just 0.054s, with things shaping up nicely for the home fans ahead of afternoon qualifying at 2.05pm – which should take place in similarly good weather conditions to the morning outing.

Also in the Saturday morning top five were Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro), Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda) and Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda).

Behind former team-mate Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3), Whorld Champion Valentino Rossi (Fiat Yamaha) lapped discreetly in seventh place, unable to match his own best time from Friday.

Eighth fastest participant Loris Capirossi (Rizla Suzuki) was also unable to repeat his Friday pace, whilst compatriot Marco Melandri (Hayate Racing) and a much improved Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro) rounded out the top ten.