Assen Thursday: Stoner fastest again

Casey Stoner remained on top in the second Thursday practice session at Assen ahead of Randy de Puniet by 0.212 seconds. American Nicky Hayden again had the third fastest time, just under three-tenths of a second slower than Stoner. Assen is a track the American likes very much, and with good reason – the 4.555km (2.830-mile) circuit being the scene of Hayden’s dramatic last-gasp win in 2006.

Afternoon Results

Pos Rider Bike Time Behind
1. Casey Stoner Ducati 1:37.828
2. Randy de Puniet Kawasaki 1:38.040 + 0.212
3. Nicky Hayden Honda 1:38.114 + 0.286
4. Valentino Rossi Yamaha 1:38.148 + 0.320
5. Dani Pedrosa Honda 1:38.221 + 0.393
6. Makoto Tamada Yamaha 1:38.256 + 0.428
7. Colin Edwards Yamaha 1:38.341 + 0.513
8. John Hopkins Suzuki 1:38.436 + 0.608
9. Shinya Nakano Honda 1:38.444 + 0.616
10. Alex Barros Ducati 1:38.485 + 0.657
11. Loris Capirossi Ducati 1:38.600 + 0.772
12. Sylvain Guintoli Yamaha 1:38.650 + 0.822
13. Carlos Checa Honda 1:38.733 + 0.905
14. Alex Hofmann Ducati 1:38.846 + 1.018
15. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki 1:39.152 + 1.324
16. Marco Melandri Honda 1:39.259 + 1.431
17. Anthony West Kawasaki 1:39.751 + 1.923
18. Kurtis Roberts KR 1:40.835 + 3.007