Repsol Honda's Nicky Hayden was fastest in this morning's MotoGP warm-up session
for today's Dutch Grand Prix at Assen.
In perfect weather conditions, the reigning world champion completed his fastest lap
in 1:38.297, 43 thousandths of a second faster than fellow American John Hopkins
on Rizla Suzuki.
Third and fourth fastest were the two Fiat Yamahas of Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards
respectively, the two separated by 27 thousandths of a second with the Italian some
0.141 seconds slower than Hayden.
Dani Pedrosa was fifth fastest on the other works Honda, ahead of Alex Hofmann on
the Pramac d'Antin Ducati, Randy de Puniet on Kawasaki, and Carlos Checa on the
Cecchinello Honda.
The two works Marlboro Ducatis were only ninth and tenth fastest, with championship
leader Casey Stoner ahead of Loris Capirossi.
The Australian had a difficult session when he crashed while exiting the final corner with
six minutes to go. He managed to run back to the pits and rejoined the track with his
spare bike, with which he subsequently had an off-track excursion just as time ran out.
Pole position-sitter Chris Vermeulen could only manage 11th fastest with his Rizla
Suzuki, over eight tenths of a second slower than Hayden, while second row starter
Marco Melandri was a full 1.4 seconds behind the American in 16thplace.
1. Nicky Hayden (USA/Honda) 1:38.297
2. John Hopkins (USA/Suzuki) 1:38.340
3. Valentino Rossi (I/Yamaha) 1:38.438
4. Colin Edwards (USA/Yamaha) 1:38.465
5. Daniel Pedrosa (SPN/Honda) 1:38.535