MOTO GP: Rossi makes slow start
World championship leader Valentino Rossi was down in fifth place after opening practice for the San Marino Grand Prix at the Misano circuit.
The Italian's fastest lap was timed at 1min 36.464sec, leaving him behind Australian Casey Stoner, who topped the timesheets with an effort of 1:35.422.
Yorkshireman James Toseland, aboard the Tech 3 Yamaha, came home in ninth place having clocked 1:36.740.
Rossi eyeing home glory
Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi aims to build on his points lead and make up for missing out at Misano last season.
Rossi failed to finish in San Marino owing to a mechanical problem, but victory in the Czech Republic last time out has given him a 50-point lead over his nearest rival Casey Stoner.
He said: "Last year was disappointing for us. This time things are different and we are out to make up for 2007."
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