2009 Phillip Island MotoGP FP1 Result - Rossi Sets Out His Stall

Valentino Rossi was the fastest man out of the blocks in the MotoGP class at Phillip Island, the cool but sunny weather and dusty track conditions keeping the Italian well off lap record pace. The Italian was just over a tenth faster than Casey Stoner, the birthday boy (he turned 24 today) the only rider close to matching Rossi's time. But a few spots of rain later in the session prevented the Australian from making an attempt at the top of the timesheets. Dani Pedrosa was 3rd fastest, but nearly half a second off Rossi's time, finishing ahead of Alex de Angelis in 4th, the still jobless Italian making a strong case for taking a competitive ride either here or in World Superbikes. 

The man challenging Valentino Rossi for the title, Jorge Lorenzo, could manage just the 6th fastest time. The Spaniard complained of weakness and a stomach problem, which was not helped by lowsiding out towards the end of the session. Lorenzo was the 3rd fastest Yamaha, with Colin Edwards finishing the day ahead of Lorenzo in 5th.

Result: