Rossi again tops MotoGP testing in Sepang

Valentino Rossi led the way for the second day running in Sepang today, concluding the first test of the year on top of the standings. His Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo was also on the pace today, finishing the test third fastest behind Casey Stoner.

Rain this morning meant the track did not fully dry out until lunchtime and it was after one o'clock before Rossi left the garage on his 2010 YZR-M1. The World Champion, who turns 31 in ten days time, completed 32 laps and set a best time of 2'00.925, only half a second slower than the record pole time for the track, which he set last year. Lorenzo put in a few laps in the late morning but the track was still wet in places and so he, too, waited until after lunch to really get started. The 22-year-old made a big improvement from yesterday and felt much more comfortable on the bike, finishing third fastest in a time of 2'01.680 after 60 laps.

The team will return to Sepang at the end of the month for the second of three pre-season tests.

V. Rossi Fiat Yamaha 2:00.925
C. Stoner Marlboro Ducati 2:01.320
J. Lorenzo Fiat Yamaha 2:01.680
D. Pedrosa Repsol Honda Team 2:01.822
B. Spies Yamaha Tech3 2:02.266
A. Dovizioso Repsol Honda Team 2:02.272
C. Edwards Yamaha Tech3 2:02.479
N. Hayden Marlboro Ducati 2:02.493
A. Espargaro Pramac Ducati 2:02.647
L. Capirossi Rizla Suzuki 2:02.763
M. Melandri San Carlo Honda 2:02.810
H. Barbera Aspar MotoGP team 2:03.032
R. De Puniet LRC Honda 2:03.043
H. Aoyama Interwetten Honda 2:03.195
M. Simoncelli San Carlo Honda 2:03.245
A. Bautista Rizla Suzuki 2.03.274
M. Kallio Pramac Ducati 2:03.359