Rossi Fastest in Final Practice

World champion Valentino Rossi posted the fastest time in the final free practice ahead of the Malaysia Moto Grand Prix at Sepang.

The Italian Yamaha rider set a blazing pace to clock a new circuit record with a time of 2min 00.605sec on the 5.5-kilometer (3.4 miles) course. Rival championship points leader Nicky Hayden of the United States, riding a Honda, was second-fastest with a time of 2:01.043. Veteran Italian rider Loris Capirossi on a Ducati was third quickest at 2:01.167.

Qualifying for Sunday's race was scheduled for later Saturday on a wet track.