Melandri fastest in the wet.

The wet weather that tormented the 125 and 250cc teams at Jerez earlier this week continued during the first day of the final MotoGP pre-season test at the Spanish track.

Friday morning began with the track still wet from Thursday's rain, and skies overcast, meaning that riders were prevented from testing either wet or dry settings. The inactivity finally ended with a downpour at around 12pm local time, which provided the chance to test in fully wet conditions.

First out were test riders for Ducati and Suzuki, joined shortly after by Kawasaki Racing rain master Olivier Jacque. From then the pace picked up, as the skies cleared slightly and the track slowly dried.

The day ended with triple 2006 race winner Marco Melandri fastest of all, as the Italian gave his recently revealed 2007 race colours a perfect debut.

"I'm happy because we could confirm the improvements made during the winter test sessions," said Marco after his 34 laps. "Today the track conditions were difficult, especially this morning because it was neither wet nor dry. In the afternoon we could start the work programme scheduled for today. I like the rolling chassis and now I'm really starting to have fun riding. Today we started working on the power delivery of the engine and did a few tyre tests. Tomorrow we will try some more tyres and I'd like to do a race simulation and try the qualifying tyre in order to be prepared for Sunday".

Also on the pace was Ducati's Casey Stoner, who was less than a tenth of a second off the former 250cc world champion's hot lap. Both riders were using Bridgestone tyres, having made the switch from Michelins at the end of last season.

Michelin shod home rider Dani Pedrosa was the only other MotoGP star to break the 1min 43secs barrier, continuing his recent run of good form. The Spaniard rounded off the previous visit to Jerez, at the final test of 2006, as the quickest rider at the Spanish circuit, and seems to be well adapted to the new 800cc factory Honda.

Another local favourite, Carlos Checa also had an excellent day of testing on the RC212V. The veteran managed 48 laps on day one, one of the most active of the regular MotoGP riders.

Alex Barros and Randy de Puniet completed a top six comprising of as many different teams, within one second of Melandri's fastest time, illustrating the competitive environment provided by the 800cc machines.

On a good day for Bridgestone, Loris Capirossi, Alex Hofmann and Toni Elias all added to the Japanese tyre manufacturer's presence in the top ten, which was rounded off by Michelin's Shinya Nakano.

Both reigning world champion Nicky Hayden and last year's runner up Valentino Rossi were outside the fastest ten, with the former 19th quickest and the latter 13th.

A number of teams were on track bright and early this morning, albeit only for their 2007 team photograph sessions. Honda, Ducati and Suzuki all posed for the cameras with their new bikes and uniforms. The latter had already presented their new livery yesterday at an event held in their team garage, whilst Kawasaki went slightly further afield to the Royal Andalusian School Of Equestrian Art for their team launch last night.

MotoGP action continues tomorrow and Sunday, as the riders prepare for the season-opening race on March 10th in Qatar. The final day of practice in Jerez plays host to the 40 minute 'qualifying session' where one member of the premier-class grid will drive away with a brand new BMW.