Rossi stamping his authority in Oz

[Samster]

Gauloises Yamaha?s Valentino Rossi sent a clear message to his rival on Friday afternoon second free practice session by setting the fastest lap of the day, as he will be aiming for a fifth consecutive victory at the Phillip Island circuit this weekend.

The Italian topped the timesheet ahead of Ducati Marlboro?s Carlos Checa and Repsol Honda?s Nicky Hayden. Sete Gibernau moved back to fourth after posting the best time of the first session while Alex Barros was fifth, followed by Marco Melandri, Colin Edwards and Toni Elias. Max Biaggi and John Hopkins completed the top 10.

Heavy spills in the first free practice session forced Loris Capirossi and Kenny Roberts Jr out of action. Capirossi, who won two of the last three races with the Ducati Marlboro team, sustained contusions but could ride on Saturday, while Suzuki Racing?s Kenny Roberts was definitely sidelined of the Polini Australian Grand Prix by a left-wrist fracture.

I'll post the timings from the 2 sessions in a moment

 

[KUCIAR666]

And results after 2 free practice :

1 V. Rossi (ITA) Yamaha 1:30.349 29
2 C. Checa (ESP) Ducati 1:30.619 28
3 N. Hayden (USA) Honda 1:31.016 33
4 S. Gibernau (ESP) Honda 1:31.316 25
5 A. Barros (BRA) Honda 1:31.459 27
6 M. Melandri (ITA) Honda 1:31.530 24
7 C. Edwards (USA) Yamaha 1:31.900 25
8 A. Elias (ESP) Yamaha 1:31.951 24
9 M. Biaggi (ITA) Honda 1:31.988 28
10 J. Hopkins (USA) Suzuki 1:32.065 27
11 M. Tamada (JPN) Honda 1:32.364 31
12 S. Nakano (JPN) Kawasaki 1:32.667 27
13 R. Xaus (ESP) Yamaha 1:33.098 22
14 C. Vermeulen (AUS) Honda 1:33.178 28
15 O. Jacque (FRA) Kawasaki 1:33.346 24
16 R. Rolfo (ITA) Ducati 1:34.373 24
17 J. Ellison (ENG) Blata 1:34.456 15
18 F. Battaini (ITA) Blata 1:34.656 22

 

[Samster]

Good to see Vermuelen moved up from 15th to 14th after the second session!

In my book that's a blinding performance, let's hope he finds a bit more pace in qualifying tomorrow :bow:

 

[RHINO]

How relaxed did 'ROSSI' appear to be eh? 8ree! as hell all the way through and even a cheeky wave as he got into the garage, that man is sooooooo damn laid back.

Cannot wait to watch the race now, i'm all excited :neenaw:

 

[Cruser]

Good to see Vermuelen moved up from 15th to 14th after the second session!

In my book that's a blinding performance, let's hope he finds a bit more pace in qualifying tomorrow :bow:

Sorry mate but I don't agree - well I do and I don't! Yes of course he's doing well, but no better than Shakey did. Chris is only in 14th because Loris and Kenny are out and they'd have been above him, so really he should be in 16th.

Plus, he's lapping a long way off Barros, although there's still a way to go yet but don't forget that in the last race Shakey was lapping within 0.5secs of Barros and I think that is the gauge he should be measured against come the race. We'll see what happens come raceday, but I'd rather see Shakey get the ride not Chris next year :neenaw:

 

[Gerrard]

Dark Horse

There could also be an outsider looming.and T Elias is his name .....Hes riding very well and I think must be knocking on the door for a full works ride. Held pole position for 15 secs last GP. Now almost fit again, must be a good outside bet for next season.

 

[KUCIAR666]

#3
1 V. Rossi (ITA) Yamaha 1:30.046 30
2 C. Checa (ESP) Ducati 1:30.264 27
3 N. Hayden (USA) Honda 1:30.696 31
4 S. Gibernau (ESP) Honda 1:30.825 23
5 M. Melandri (ITA) Honda 1:31.019 27
6 A. Elias (ESP) Yamaha 1:31.149 26
7 A. Barros (BRA) Honda 1:31.200 30
8 C. Edwards (USA) Yamaha 1:31.279 23
9 M. Biaggi (ITA) Honda 1:31.336 25
10 J. Hopkins (USA) Suzuki 1:31.609 25



1 N. Hayden (USA) Honda 1:29.337
2 V. Rossi (ITA) Yamaha 1:29.443
3 S. Gibernau (ESP) Honda 1:29.729
4 C. Checa (ESP) Ducati 1:29.775
5 C. Edwards (USA) Yamaha 1:29.943
6 M. Biaggi (ITA) Honda 1:30.070
7 A. Elias (ESP) Yamaha 1:30.094
8 M. Melandri (ITA) Honda 1:30.322
9 M. Tamada (JPN) Honda 1:30.624
10 S. Nakano (JPN) Kawasaki 1:30.626