Saturday, 14 July 2012:

MotoGP championship leader Jorge Lorenzo has dominated two windy practice sessions on his Yamaha ahead of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

Honda's defending world champion, Casey Stoner, finished the day in sixth place and Ducati's Valentino Rossi, a seven-time winner at his home race between 2002 and 2008, ninth fastest.

Lorenzo, winner on the Mugello circuit last season, clocked a fastest lap of 1min 48.076sec after an early run-off into the gravel on Friday.

Fellow Spaniard Dani Pedrosa was second quickest on a Honda at 0.031sec and US Ducati rider Nicky Hayden was third fastest at 0.081.

"I'm really happy because from the beginning we've been quite fast. We haven't had to make many changes to the bike, the feeling is great with the track and it's working well," said Lorenzo.

"I feel good with the suspension, throttle and braking. Everything seems quite clear, we have to work on some small details but we've made an excellent beginning."

Spaniard Hector Barbera of Ducati came back after a crash mid-way through the session to set the fourth fastest time.

Fifth spot went to Yamaha's Andrea Dovizioso, bidding for his fourth podium finish this season at his home race.

AAP