Brno, 14 August: The 2009 MotoGP World Championship recommences at Brno in the Czech Republic this weekend, following a 2-week summer break and a historic last ever visit to Donington Park which saw LCR Honda MotoGP Team racer Randy De Puniet obtaining a brilliant podium. After his good form in the first part of the season, De Puniet sustained the left ankle injury during the summer training but was ready for action today at the 5.403 Km race track where he already experienced the victory in 250cc class.
Today’s opening free practice session was held in sunny conditions with ambience temperature of 22°C (33°C on the asphalt) with De Puniet clocking the 14th fastest lap time of the day (1’59.055) despite his injury. The Frenchman aboard the RC212V no. 14 made a total of 20 laps in the 60-minute session and he feels ready to face a tough week end.  
Lorenzo (Yamaha) was the fastest rider of the day with a 1’56.595.

De Puniet – 14th – 1’59.055

De Puniet - 14th: “My squad was happy to see me arriving on Wednesday and again this afternoon riding the bike as nobody could believe that I was ready for action here. Off course it’s not easy for me and today‘s session has been the hardest one of my career. I am using my upper body a lot to change direction as I can not push on my feet as I would like to. Basically I rode two long run trying to find the correct position on the bike. The last run was better but when I came in my ankle ached a lot! We have got half second gap to the ninth position and this makes us very pleased considering my conditions”.