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Stoner Dominate First Practice in Qatar GP

Doha (ANTARA News / Reuters) - Australian Casey Stoner Pebalap dominate free practice on Friday, facing the MotoGP season opener, Grand Prix of Qatar.

Ducati rider, the champion in the Gulf countries in the last three years, more than half a second faster than pebalap Spain's Jorge Lorenzo - Yamaha rider who is still being treated for hand injuries - with a best time of 1:55,500.

World champion Valentino Rossi was third fastest, behind no more than 0.002 seconds over teammate Lorenzo who had an accident without any further injury at the end of the session after turning in a time of 1:56,026.

"We're pretty happy with our current position but I'm sure everything will catch up all weekend, so we definitely need to stay on top of our game and try and improve our preparation a little more," said Stoner.