After taking 2nd fastest in the rain during yesterday’s first practice session, Ducati’s Nicky Hayden dropped back in the field to log the 7th fastest time this morning during the second session and ahead of this afternoon’s qualifying. Dani Pedrosa had no such problems switching from wet to dry conditions and remains at the top, the only rider into the 1′40″ range.
Jorge Lorenzo took second fastest from a on the pace Angelo De Angelis who pipped Valentino Rossi for 4th on the table. Colin Edwards was 5th ahead of Andrea Dovizioso.

Hayden had been as high as 5th but dropped back towards the end of the session. Temporary team-mate Mika Kallio took the 9th fastest time a little more than 1/2 a second behind Hayden. The surpriuse in qualifying was the performance of Niccolo Canepa on the Pramac satellite team who split the factory bikes with his 8th fastest time.

The race tomorrow is crucial for both of the factory Ducati riders. Hayden is trying to secure his seat for 2010 and Mika Kallio is a possible contender for it.


Qualifying begins this afternoon at 1:55pm local time.