Downpour puts dampener on first Estoril practice

Rain halts first Estoril test

Initial practice sessions for the Portuguese Grand Prix have been curbed by heavy rain – and the stormy skies are not looking to subside, as the tumultous weather is predicted to last the whole weekend.

Only four riders attempted to set some times on the hazardously flooded Estoril track. Brave rookie Hiroshi Aoyama was the only one in the 45-minute practice session to complete a lap and set an official, serious, lap time – though he did one lap a full 46-seconds off Jorge Lorenzo’s pole of 2008.

Aoyama managed to paddle his Honda through to a 2min 21.217sec lap time, comparing rather unfavourably with the 1min 36.937sec dry lap record – although I repeat, the fact only four riders braved the conditions reflects how waterlogged the track was, and how little could be ascertained from taking this free lap time.

Carlos Checa returns to MotoGP

One of the other riders to be credited with a couple of slow laps was familiar face, Carlos Checa, who left Superbike testing in Aragon early in order to make his MotoGP return – his first MotoGP race since 2007. Checa was officially registered with a 37min 47.795sec time for the first test.

But it is pouring, full heavens, onto the Portuguese track… Which, given that it is not predicted to wane, does not give me much hope for Dani’s return this weekend. He is notoriously uncomfortable riding in the wet and, while he has got a lot better, that burden of his shoulder injury worries me greatly. The same for Valentino, really… While I do have more faith in him on a wet track – he will be pushing so hard to secure these final victories.

Rossi is already scheduled to have his shoulder operated on after the post-race test in Valencia – where he will be making his Ducati MotoGP debut – and he did of course break his leg in a fall this season. He can ill afford to hurt himself or exacerbate these injuries, with his debut Ducati tests so anticipated and crucial.

The second 45-minute Friday practice session is taking place mid-afternoon, on a slightly dryer track.