Kuala Lumpur, 17 October 2008: In warm and humid but overcast conditions, LCR Honda MotoGP rider Randy de Puniet finished ninth overall on the first day of free practice for Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix. After having achieved the 5th position in this morning first free session with a best lap time of 2’03.535, Randy improved his pace in the afternoon session clocking his best lap time of 2’03.474.

With ambience temperature of 33°C and humidity level at 48%, the premier class riders focused their work mainly on tyre testing because some light rain fell at the 5.548 Km circuit during the second session. The Frenchman aboard the Michelin-shod Honda RC212V set a good rhythm around the Malaysian track despite a small crash in this morning first session.

De Puniet – 9th: “It was a positive first day of practices and had a good feeling on the bike despite the small crash I suffered this morning. This afternoon’s conditions were a bit worse because of the rain but in the end I could ride as I would like. We improved the overall package including the tyres and made a good run with a harder compound one so I feel quite satisfied. Honestly I think we have the potential to be in the top-five positions tomorrow”.

Free Session:

1 Edwards (2’02.667)
2 Rossi (2’02.693)
3 Stoner (2’02.970)
4 Nakano (2’03.050)
5 Lorenzo (2’03.179)
6 Pedrosa (2’03.232)
7 Capirossi (2’03.346)
8 Dovizioso (2’03.430)
9 De Puniet (2’03.474)
10 Hayden (2’03.550)
11 Vermeulen (2’03.723)
12 West (2’03.925)
13 Toseland(2’03.964)
14 Melandri (2’04.169)
15 Elias (2’04.183)
16 Guintoli (2’04.204)
17 De Angelis (2’04.256)
18 Hopkins (2’04.267)
19 Aoki (2’05.998)