Misano, 29 August 2008: In a hot and crowded opening day of San Marino and Riviera di Rimini Grand Prix, LCR Honda MotoGP racer Randy de Puniet set the fourth fastest time at the 4.226 km track. Both free practices were held in sunny conditions with an air temperature of 32°C, and the premier class riders had to battle hard against the hot conditions.

The Frenchman aboard the Michelin-shod Honda RC212V got the 12th position in this morning first free session trying to find the base set-up on these conditions and testing different tyres.
The LCR crew made some adjustments together with Michelin and Öhlins and the 27-year-old completed 27 laps clocking his fastest lap time of 1’35.620 less than nine tenths off the fastest lap of the day set by Stoner (1’34.806).

De Puniet – 4th: “This is a positive opening day for me and the Team. I like this track and when I came out this morning we started to work on tyres as the asphalt temperature was high but honestly we did not find the best choice on these conditions. Then, for the afternoon’s session, we made some adjustments on engine brake, traction control and tyres getting a good overall package. After that I felt more comfortable on the bike and could run as I would like. Everybody in the Team did a good job and at the end I gained the 4th position. Probably I could improve my lap time but I feel quite satisfied now and hope to continue like this”.

Free Practice:

1 Stoner (1’34.806)
2 Rossi (1’35.224)
3 Capirossi (1’35.377)
4 De Puniet (1’35.620)
5 Vermeulen (1’35.743)
6 Lorenzo (1’35.766)
7 De Angelis (1’35.861)
8 Edwards (1’35.913)
9 Nakano (1’36.100)
10 Toseland (1’36.105)
11 Hayden (1’36.189)
12 Pedrosa (1’36.219)
13 Dovizioso (1’36.356)
14 Elias (1’36.425)
15 Guintoli (1’36.619)
16 Melandri (1’37.096)
17 West (1’38.239)

OUT: Hopkins