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MotoGP: West leads in the pouring rain

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Khatir Soltani
Anthony West led the way in both practices today on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first ever MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix.

All day long it rained on the famous Brickyard and riders had not only to learn their way around the new circuit but they had also to contend with treacherous conditions.

Kawasaki rider Anthony West was able to make the fastest time of the day but it was done during the morning's session. Gresini Honda's Alex de Angelis took second place in the morning but finished third in the afternoon.

Casey Stoner, who fell heavily under the rain without injury, finished third leading Michelin runner Andrea Dovizioso (JiR Honda), John Hopkins on the second Kawasaki and Suzuki's Chris Vermeulen.

Series' leader Valentino Rossi was far behind in the morning but things improved for him latter in the day and he finished fourth in the afternoon.

Morning's practice
Pos Rider Bike Time
1. Anthony West Kawasaki (B) 1:53.034
2. Alex de Angelis Honda (B) 1:53.151 + 0.117
3. Casey Stoner Ducati (B) 1:53.190 + 0.156
4. Andrea Dovizioso Honda (M) 1:53.704 + 0.670
5. John Hopkins Kawasaki (B) 1:53.715 + 0.681
6. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki (B) 1:53.771 + 0.737
7. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha (M) 1:53.850 + 0.816
8. Nicky Hayden Honda (M) 1:53.931 + 0.897
9. Ben Spies Suzuki (B) 1:54.297 + 1.263
10. Toni ElĂ­as Ducati (B) 1:54.616 + 1.582
11. Valentino Rossi Yamaha (B) 1:54.795 + 1.761
12. Randy de Puniet Honda (M) 1:55.072 + 2.038
13. Shinya Nakano Honda (B) 1:55.074 + 2.040
14. Marco Melandri Ducati (B) 1:55.292 + 2.258
15. Colin Edwards Yamaha (M) 1:55.731 + 2.697
16. Sylvain Guintoli Ducati (B) 1:56.125 + 3.091
17. James Toseland Yamaha (M) 1:56.271 + 3.237
18. Loris Capirossi Suzuki (B) 1:56.345 + 3.311
19. Daniel Pedrosa Honda (B) 1:56.851 + 3.817

Afternoon's practice
1. Anthony West AUS Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 54.274 secs
2. Chris Vermeulen AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 1min 55.032 secs
3. Alex de Angelis RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 1min 55.067 secs
4. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team (B) 1min 55.425 secs
5. Ben Spies USA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 1min 55.869 secs
6. Andrea Dovizioso ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP (M) 1min 56.225 secs
7. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team (M) 1min 56.313 secs
8. Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 56.458 secs
9. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team (B) 1min 56.782 secs
10. Marco Melandri ITA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 57.534 secs
11. John Hopkins USA Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 58.335 secs
12. Randy de Puniet FRA LCR Honda MotoGP (M) 1min 58.382 secs
13. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Alice Team (B) 1min 58.399 secs
14. Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda Team (M) 1min 58.546 secs
15. Colin Edwards USA Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 1min 58.600 secs
16. Toni Elias SPA Alice Team (B) 1min 59.059 secs
17. Shinya Nakano JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 1min 59.092 secs
18. James Toseland GBR Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 1min 59.478 secs
19. Loris Capirossi ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 1min 59.661 secs
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
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