Qatar MotoGP: James Toseland 10th as Casey Stoner tops practice

Reigning world champion Casey Stoner has ended free practice for tomorrow’s historic floodlit Qatar MotoGP clash with the fastest time.

A 1:55.186 set with six minutes of the third and final session remaining saw Casey Stoner overhaul rookie sensation Jorge Lorenzo, with the Spaniard just 0.113secs adrift on the factory Fiat Yamaha.

Stoner’s best was 0.3secs faster than he managed in yesterday’s two practice sessions as he prepares to begin the defence of his crown in tomorrow night’s 22-lap race.

Jorge Lorenzo’s impressive form saw him hold off Fiat Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi, who posted a best of 1:55.598 as he broke under the 1.56 barrier for the first time tonight.

The seven-times world champion did lead with just over 20 minutes remaining before he was quickly deposed by Ducati man Stoner. Valentino Rossi was a massive 0.7secs faster than his best time of 1:56.269 set in yesterday’s first session.

British rider James Toseland ended the session in 10th but was 0.6secs slower than his best time set yesterday when he was a brilliant third.

Toseland clocked a 1:56.467 tonight but his best time of 1:55.812 set last night still secured him seventh on the combined practice timesheets.

He was one of only three riders who failed to better their times from yesterday, with Randy de Puniet and struggling factory Ducati rider Marco Melandri also slower than last night.

Just ten minutes had elapsed when French Honda rider de Puniet crashed unhurt. He lost the front of his LCR RC212V while he was lying fourth.

Six minutes later saw the only other incident when John Hopkins was forced to pull quickly off track after his factory Kawasaki ZX-RR motor blew up.

Qatar MotoGP free practice three results:

1 Casey STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team DUCATI 1’55.186
2 Jorge LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team YAMAHA 1’55.299
3 Valentino ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team YAMAHA 1’55.598
4 Alex DE ANGELIS RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini HONDA 1’55.659
5 Colin EDWARDS USA Tech 3 Yamaha YAMAHA 1’55.746
6 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP HONDA 1’55.788
7 Dani PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team HONDA 1’55.902
8 Chris VERMEULEN AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP SUZUKI 1’56.108
9 Randy DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP HONDA 1’56.371
10 James TOSELAND GBR Tech 3 Yamaha YAMAHA 1’56.467
11 John HOPKINS USA Kawasaki Racing Team KAWASAKI 1’56.472
12 Loris CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP SUZUKI 1’56.516
13 Shinya NAKANO JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini HONDA 1’56.741
14 Toni ELIAS SPA Alice Team DUCATI 1’56.789
15 Nicky HAYDEN USA Repsol Honda Team HONDA 1’56.971
16 Marco MELANDRI ITA Ducati Marlboro Team DUCATI 1’57.658
17 Anthony WEST AUS Kawasaki Racing Team KAWASAKI 1’57.777 7
18 Sylvain GUINTOLI FRA Alice Team DUCATI 1’57.800