John Hopkins of the US had the fastest time after two free practice sessions yesterday for tomorrow's MotoGP Chinese Grand Prix.
Riding a Suzuki, Hopkins set the pace with a time of 2 minutes, 1.204 seconds at the Shanghai International Circuit, followed by Italy's Marco Melandri on a Honda at 2:01.303.
Defending champions Dani Pedrosa of Spain, who earned his maiden MotoGP victory here last year, was third fastest around the 5.3km track at 2:01.333. Honda teammate and reigning MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden of the US was next, just 0.013 behind.
Rain swept the track early in the morning, leaving a light damp on the surface that had all but dried by the afternoon's second session.
Qualifying will be held today.



