| Moto GP: Italy's Rossi sets the pace |
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| Saturday, 19 August 2006 | |
 (sportal) Italian rider Valentino Rossi put in a scorching lap to leap to the top of the timesheets after the second free practice session for Sunday's Czech Republic MotoGP.
The five-time world champion made a welcome return to form with a one minute 57.871 second lap as he charged around the Brno circuit.Frenchman Randy de Puniet sprung a surprise as the second-quickest (1:58.028), while Loris Capirossi on a Ducati was third (1:58.470). Rossi is 51 points behind championship leader Nicky Hayden, who could only manage 10th place (1:59.387). Rossi said the decision to use a special qualifying tyre for practice had paid dividends. "I am happy, it is a good day because this year has been difficult so far, especially during practice when we have often struggled and started races from behind," he said. "We also tried a qualifying tyre today, in order to give us more of an idea about what we need to adjust tomorrow in the afternoon session in order to challenge for a place at the front of the grid." "This is really why I am in first place but anyway the race setting is also good and I was second fastest in the morning practice too so we know we have the pace. Tomorrow we need to continue working like this." |
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