Catalunya MotoGP Ready to Run

Today's second Catalunya MotoGP Free Practice saw Lorenzo filter to the top. He then snagged pole position in Qualifying Practice, followed an eye-blink later by Rossi, with Stoner rounding-out the first row about half a second back. Dovizioso has been holding his own in practice and leads the second row, joined by Barcelona local Toni Elias in fifth and, in sixth ... Colin Edwards ... what is it with him and sixth place? It's summer in Spain and that means it's smokin' hot, with track temperatures running near 50C! You can be sure the whole grid will be running on hard compond tyres, but even those will turn to greasy chewing gum by the last third of the race on Sunday. Tyre problems will probably slow down the main pack of riders mid-race as the leaders pull away. This is looking like a very close race between Lorenzo and Rossi, who hasn't won here since 2006, with Vale possibly having a slight edge when the tyres go off. Dovizioso is lined up to give Stoner a run for his money, but the long Catalunya straight could be Casey's ace in the hole. If Lorenzo and Rossi have a real battle at the front, it could allow a smooth, steady racer like Stoner to "play through". Definately a race to watch.