Biaggi sets the pace at Phillip Island
Biaggi's time of 1 minute 32.4 seconds, which he set in 71 laps, was around six-tenths slower than Troy Corser's best race mark (1'31.826). The Italian was testing an evolution step engine, a different swing-arm and new engine mounts that help give better rigidity and traction. Team-mate Leon Camier on the other hand had a few technical problems with both his RSV4 machines often in the pits. His best time was 1'33.4 in 88 laps.
Over at Yamaha, an excellent second best time of 1'32.9 (86 laps) was set by Eugene Laverty, just half-a-second down on Biaggi, while Marco Melandri had set-up problems on the 2010-spec bike due to the windy conditions and a few teething issues on the 2011-spec machine which has different cycle components and power delivery, and the Italian could only set a time of 1'33.5 over 78 laps.
Weather conditions today were cloudy and blustery, with a high of 18°C, although the track was dry, while rain is forecast for tomorrow's second day.
