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MOTEGI, Japan (AP) — Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo set the fastest time in Friday's practice for the MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix.
Lorenzo had a lap time of 1 minute, 44.731 seconds, at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit, 0.128 seconds faster than Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa. Ducati rider Andrea Iannone was third.
Lorenzo, who has won the last two races at Motegi, is hoping to close the 14-point gap with Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi in the MotoGP standings. The Spanish rider showed no ill effects from a recent shoulder injury.
World champion and Honda rider Marc Marquez was seventh, followed by nine-time champion Rossi, who was eighth.
Iannone's Ducati teammate, Andrea Dovizioso, was fourth, while Yamaha rider Bradley Smith was fifth overall.
Qualifying will be held on Saturday and the race on Sunday.
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