[Acidreign]

MADRID (Reuters) - Five times former world champion Valentino Rossi threw down the gauntlet to his rivals in this year's title race when he set the fastest ever lap at the Jerez circuit in official pre-season testing on Sunday.

The Italian, who lost his crown when he finished as runner-up to Nicky Hayden in last year's championship, smashed the existing circuit best lap with a time of 1 minute 38.394 seconds on his Yamaha.

The new mark was set despite the fact that this season the bikes in the MotoGP class have been reduced in capacity from 990cc to 800cc. The previous best lap was 1:39.064 set by Loris Capirossi on a Ducati in 2006.

Rossi's main title rival Dani Pedrosa of Spain was second quickest, 0.133 down on the Yamaha rider, while the Italian's team mate Colin Edwards clocked the third fastest time.

Champion Hayden, who is still regaining confidence after shoulder surgery, was fourth in the rankings, 1.112 seconds behind Rossi.

"It's magnificent, but of course it doesn't count towards world championship points," Rossi said. "It is the first battle won.

"The new Yamaha is already faster than last year's model and it seems to be effective at every circuit. It is a good starting point for 2007."

Pedrosa told Spanish state television: "I'm delighted, I didn't expect to go this fast. I'm very impressed."

The last official test turned into a shoot out between Rossi and Pedrosa, with the two riders seeking a psychological edge ahead of the season-opening grand prix in Qatar on March 10.

Marco Melandri, who was fastest in testing on Friday and Saturday, dropped down the rankings on the final day. He clocked the 14th fastest time on his Honda.

(Writing by Simon Baskett, editing by Dave Thompson; Reuters Messaging)

[fl-929]

Good thing they went to the 800's to slow the bikes down

[SGTCONRAD304]

YEAH REALLY