Assen, 28 June: Free practice for the Dutch TT, ninth round of the MotoGP world championship, began in sunny and dry, but cool conditions at Assen today. Honda LCR rider Carlos Checa set the 13th fastest time overall (1’ 38.733), as he worked through a range of set-up options in advance of Saturday’s 26 lap race.

Checa’s best time was less than one second behind the fastest lap set by Casey Stoner, reflecting the close and intense competition in MotoGP. Checa is still to make a final decision on race tyres and will continue the evaluation from his allocation from Michelin in tomorrow’s practice and qualifying sessions.

CHECA: Thirteenth overall - 1’38.733

CHECA: “A productive day in that we gained a lot of information for the race set-up, although we to make a final decision on race tyres. There are still two options and we will work with the rear set-up to find the right choice for the race. Also I need to confirm our front tyre choice, to improve turning and also the gearbox ratios and braking points. A positive point is that I am able to carry speed through the final section of the lap, S4, which is important at this track.”

In the 250cc class, Eugene Laverty, who is on his first visit to Assen, quickly learnt the 4.5 km circuit in the morning practice but was slowed by set-up problems in afternoon qualifying, with a time of 1.44.148.

LAVERTY: “Practice started positively, I learnt the circuit OK. But I struggled in the afternoon with chassis balance as the fuel load went down. The bike was a handful, both front and rear, running wide on corner exit but I’m sure we can make it better for tomorrow.”