Looking for a third consecutive victory this weekend, Valentino Rossi lost no time on Friday afternoon, setting the fastest lap of the US GP opening practice session.

The Fiat Yamaha rider was the only one going under the 1'22 barrier, setting his fastest lap of the Laguna Seca circuit in 1'21''981. His teammate Jorge Lorenzo was second quickest, in 1'22''093, while Stoner ended third.

As usual, the Australian was quick straight out of the box and led most part of the session.

The trio were on a class of their own and relegated fourth placed Dani Pedrosa six tenths of a second away. Having received a chassis update this weekend, San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Toni Elias set the fifth fastest lap of the session.

There was a bit of disappointment for Chris Vermeulen and Colin Edwards, respectively eighth and ninth fastest.

Laguna Seca – Free Practice 1 :

1. V.Rossi – Fiat Yamaha – 1'21''981

2. J.Lorenzo – Fiat Yamaha – 1'22''093

3. C.Stoner – Ducati – 1'22''170

4. D.Pedrosa – Repsol Honda – 1'22''637

5. T.Elias – San Carlo Honda Gresini – 1'22''682

6. A.Dovizioso – Repsol Honda – 1'22''880

7. M.Melandri – Hayate Racing – 1'23''140

8. C.Vermeulen – Rizla Suzuki – 1'23''217

9. C.Edwards – Monster Yamaha Tech3 – 1'23''285

10. A.De Angelis – San Carlo Honda Gresini – 1'23''406

11. R.De Puniet – LCR Honda – 1'23''439

12. L.Capirossi – Rizla Suzuki – 1'23''637

13. J.Toseland – Monster Yamaha Tech3 – 1'23''690

14. N.Hayden – Ducati – 1'23''747

15. S.Gibernau – Grupo Francisco Hernando – 1'24''533

16. G.Talmacsi – Scot Honda – 1'24''926

17. N.Canepa – Pramac Racing – 1'25''511

S.B © CAPSIS International