Stoner sends out warning

2008-06-20 22:26

Donington - Defending world champion Casey Stoner of Australia clocked up the fastest time in practice here on Friday for this weekend's race to send out a warning that he will not give up his MotoGP title easily.

The Ducati rider, sitting fourth in the championship, was head and shoulders above the rest during the two sessions on the British circuit, blitzing last year's pole position time set by American Colin Edwards.

Although not his favourite circuit, Donington has been good to Stoner.

Last year he won here on his way to wrestling the 2006 world crown from the hands of Nicky Hayden.

This time around Donington could give the Australian the chance to close the gap on championship leader Valentino Rossi.

Stoner opened up a half-second advantage over the American Hayden and third-placed Rossi, with Edwards sitting in fourth.

Alex de Angelis was the highest Honda rider in fifth, ahead of teammate Dani Pedrosa, who took a tumble during Friday's sessions.

The Catalunya winner was quickly up on his feet and is not an injury worry.

Shinya Nakano, Briton James Toseland, Chris Vermeulen and Randy de Puniet completed the fastest ten riders in the standings.

- AFP