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Rossi fastest in Japan GP practice

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MOTEGI, Japan -- Defending world champion Valentino Rossi recorded the fastest time in Friday's free practice for Sunday's MotoGP in Japan.

Rossi, riding a Yamaha, clocked one minute, 46.98 seconds in the second practice session at the Motegi track. Japan's Shinya Nakano was second fastest on a Kawasaki, 0.334 seconds back.

Italian Honda rider Marco Melandri, who won last week's Australian Grand Prix, was third in 1:47.44.

American Nicky Hayden, who leads Italian Rossi by 21 points with 225 in the overall MotoGP standings, had the fifth-fastest time of 1:47.610 on a Honda.

With just two races remaining after Motegi, a win in Japan on Sunday can have a big impact on the final outcome.

Melandri is still in the hunt, along with Spain's Dani Pedrosa.

Both riders have 193 points but Melandri lies ahead in the standings after winning three races to Pedrosa's two.

Qualifying for Sunday's race will be held on Saturday.

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