MotoGP Riders Show Their Cards

Jerez is a great track, fairly technical with a few hard braking corners, downhill straights, esses and uphill corner exits. As might be expected, this morning's Free Practice 2 went Pedrosa, Lorenzo and Stoner. In Qualifying, Lorenzo pulled the pin and blasted to pole position, a mere .071 seconds ahead of Pedrosa. Both home-track riders are motivated well beyond the rest of the pack. Stoner, who won the BMW Challenge here barely a month ago, filled out the front row another half second behind, leading Rossi by 1/4 second. Joining Vale on the second row are De Puniet and Capirossi. Edwards leads the third row, with Dovizioso, the final rider to break 1:40, in 8th. This is going to be a close battle between Pedrosa and Lorenzo for the win and between Stoner and Rossi for the podium leftovers. Tomorrow's race might come down to the last corners for final positions and collisions and crashes are possible for all four riders. I wouldn't be surprised if Pedrosa accidently torpedoes Lorenzo, taking both riders out in the last corner. Capirossi, Edwards, De Puniet and Dovizioso will be heirs apparent to any positions that open in front of them if the leaders drop.