Dani Pedrosa set the early pace at Le Mans with the fastest time in Friday's first free practice session. The Spanish Honda rider has not enjoyed the best start to the season, but appeared determined to make a mark in his 100th race across the Grand Prix categories.
The 21-year-old registered 1:35.699 at an overcast French track, less than a hundredth of a second faster than Yamaha man Valentino Rossi. World champion Nicky Hayden was third.
Ducati have dominated the early stages of 2007, but their fastest rider Casey Stoner was just fifth quickest.
The Australian was 0.252 behind Pedrosa despite being well down on the Italian machinery's normal excellent straight-line speed.
EuroSport
Subject: Pedrosa sets Le Mans marker 
Sat May 19, 2007 9:58 pm