Former 250cc stars
Dani Pedrosa and
Casey Stoner made sensational
MotoGP debuts in Jerez and, like Capirossi, will be full of confidence for the second round. Double 250cc World Champion Pedrosa, riding for Repsol Honda, unexpectedly pushed Capirossi nearly all the way in Spain, while Australian Stoner showed no ill effects from a recent shoulder operation to finish sixth on the LCR Honda. Stoner won the Qatar 250cc race last year in which Pedrosa finished fourth and both have laid down the gauntlet to the established MotoGP 'oldies'.
Another youngster to impress in Jerez was Elias who eventually had to settle for fourth place after a tremendous last lap battle with
Nicky Hayden for the final position on the podium. The 23 year old Spaniard beat his Fortuna Honda team-mate
Marco Melandri despite clipping Rossi on the very first bend.
Shinya Nakano started from the front row in Jerez but the Kawasaki rider finished a disappointing seventh in front of the re-vitalised
Kenny Roberts Junior, riding for his Dad’s Oxfordshire-based Team Roberts KR211V. He was delighted to finish in front of former Rizla Suzuki team-mate
John Hopkins and expect the rivalry to continue in the sun on Saturday.
In addition to Rossi, the other Yamaha riders will also be looking for a change of fortune. His team-mate Edwards, who was second in Qatar two years ago, was a disappointing 11th in Jerez - two places in front of Spanish veteran Carlos Checa, who looked so impressive during winter testing on the Dunlop-shod Tech 3 Yamaha. Last year Checa was sixth at Qatar for Ducati.
Spanish youngster
Jorge Lorenzo is a clear favourite for the 20 lap 250cc races after his winning performance in
Jerez. The 18 year old Fortuna Aprilia rider dominated the proceedings from pole position and also has an impressive Losail pedigree.
