Stoner quickest as Bridgestone dominate

Added on Friday, August 15th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor

Stoner tops the times after Friday's practice.

The battle continued this weekend, with Stoner having the final say after Rossi posted the top time in the morning session.

Casey Stoner took the psychological advantage in Friday’s afternoon practice as he leapfrogged title rival Valentino Rossi to first place.

The Australian posted a time of 1:57.231, almost 0.18secs quicker than his rival in the second session at Brno to give supporters a clear indication of what to expect over the weekend.

The pair jostled for position throughout their last encounter at Laguna Seca three weeks ago and the battle continued this weekend, with Stoner having the final say after Rossi posted the top time in the morning session.

Loris Capirossi was third fastest on the Rizla Suzuki whilst Shinya Nakano on the test model factory Honda was fourth.

Bridgestone once again dominated the session, with only Colin Edwards breaking into the top ten with the seventh fastest time of the session.

Britain’s James Toseland, on Michelin rubber, was 13^th fastest.

1. Casey Stoner, Ducati (B); 1:57.231
2. Valentino Rossi, Yamaha (B); + 0.179
3. Loris Capirossi, Suzuki (B); + 0.769
4. Shinya Nakano, Honda (B); + 0.997
5. Alex de Angelis, Honda (B); + 1.033
6. Chris Vermeulen, Suzuki (B); + 1.231
7. Colin Edwards, Yamaha (M); + 1.441
8. John Hopkins, Kawasaki (B); + 1.599
9. Toni Elias, Ducati (B); + 1.650
10. Sylvain Guintoli, Ducati (B); + 1.692
11. Jorge Lorenzo, Yamaha (M); + 1.746
12. Andrea Dovizioso, Honda (M); + 1.863
13. James Toseland, Yamaha (M); + 2.097
14. Randy de Puniet, Honda (M); + 2.174
15. Marco Melandri, Ducati (B); + 2.712
16. Dani Pedrosa, Honda (M); + 3.309
17. Anthony West, Kawasaki (B); + 3.390