SEPANG, Oct 23 — Dani Pedrosa, winner of the past two editions of the Malaysian Grand Prix, dominated opening practice today as he clocked the fastest time ahead of this Sunday’s race.

The Spanish Honda rider turned on the heat in the morning session with a time of two minutes 1.379 seconds to lead the chasing pack.

He was followed by compatriot and Forward Yamaha rider Aleix Espargaro, who trailed Pedrosa by 0.014 sec despite suffering a small crash at the end of the first practice session.

In third place was two-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo. The Spanish Yamaha rider was 0.037 seconds behind Pedrosa.

Spanish sensation Marc Marquez, who clinched this season’s championship title two races ago in Japan, was in fourth place, trailing teammate Pedrosa by 0.291 seconds.

Marquez was followed by Germany’s Honda rider Stefan Bradl and Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi.

The Italian legend is eight points ahead of his teammate Lorenzo in the standings in the race for this season’s runner-up.

Heavy rain saw the second practice session slightly delayed, forcing riders to change into their wet tyres and slowing down their timings. — AFP