Stoner Builds BMW Collection

Casey Stoner won this afternoon's MotoGP BMW M Award Shootout, as the only rider to break the 1:39 mark, with a time of 1:38.646. He takes home the limited edition BMW 135i Sauber F1 Team Edition to add to the collection he started last year. The session was halted 3 minutes early due to light rain. Interesting to note that Rossi won the BMW in 2007 but lost the championship to Casey, then Casey won the car last year and Rossi finished as champion. Looks like it's bad luck to take home the four-wheel prize.
Behind Stoner on the Marlboro Ducati, the remainder of the top five finished in the 1:39s, with Rossi second, followed by Capirossi, Lorenzo and Vermeulen. That's both Fiat Yamahas and both Rizla Suzukis. Sixth to fifteenth places all ran in the 1:40s.
Of other interest, Gibernau managed an 8th, ahead of Melandri in 12th. Toseland highsided, big time, but appears to be as well as one can be under the circumstances. Toni Elias must've had some tall gearing ... while finishing 9th, he ran the highest top speed of 287kph, with Rossi second fastest at 284kph.
The final pre-season practice session is in progress and will wrap-up at 18:00 local time. Next stop: Losail, Qatar under the lights.