Fiat Yamaha’s Lorenzo topped the timesheets with a best lap of one minute 39.791 seconds, good to edge his world champion team-mate Valentino Rossi into second place by less than a tenth of a second.
Ducati Marlboro’s Casey Stoner continued to defy his ongoing wrist problem as the Australian claimed third at the end of first day.
“I am very satisfied because I have improved through every hour of the day,” said Lorenzo, who after taking to the track in damp conditions in the morning enjoyed trouble-free runs all day.
“In the beginning it was quite difficult because there was rain in the morning and the track was wet, but after lunch I was able to improve and was fastest for most of the afternoon and able to put in a great performance.
| 
|