MOTOR SPORT: World champion Valentino Rossi set the pace in yesterday's free practice for the Catalan Grand Prix. The Italian Yamaha rider, fifth in the standings after six races, lapped the Circuit de Catalunya in one minute 42.837 seconds.

American Kenny Roberts, riding a KR211V for his father's team, was fastest in the morning, but trailed Rossi by 0.093 seconds after the second session.

Local rider Dani Pedrosa, on a Honda, was third quickest, 0.199 seconds off the leader's time, and Australia's Chris Vermeulen was 0.272 seconds further back in fourth on a Suzuki. Championship leader Loris Capirossi was only eighth quickest.