Stoner shows pace again in warm-up

Ducati’s Casey Stoner almost matched his own pace from Saturday qualifying as he topped the timesheet in the final practice outing ahead of Sunday’s Laguna Seca race, putting down a 1’21.918 marker to signal his intent.

Having put himself third on the grid yesterday Stoner suffered a huge highside crash towards the end of QP so his bruised body, which has also been severely fatigued in recent races, may be the only hindrance to him repeating his dominant 2007 Californian victory.

Also on the pace in the warm-up session and ahead of Stoner on the grid, Valentino Rossi was second fastest as the only other participant to lap under the 1’22 mark.

Poleman Jorge Lorenzo showed he is fit to ride despite his right shoulder and foot injuries as he lapped in fifth place with a time of 1’22.512s – so like Stoner his stamina in the race will be a key factor.

Lorenzo sat just behind Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) and Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) on the timing screen, as they went round third and fourth quickest respectively.

Pedrosa’s teammate Andrea Dovizioso and Edwards’ Ducati-equipped compatriot Nicky Hayden were sixth and seventh.