Motorcycling: Pedrosa quickest at German GP

Dani Pedrosa boosted his hopes of claiming a first win of the season by topping both practice sessions yesterday, ahead of tomorrow's Moto GP German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring.

The Repsol Honda rider won on this tight, twisty circuit in 2010 and last year, but has yet to taste victory this season and needs to stay in touch with championship leaders Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo.

The Spaniard edged out team-mate Stoner late in the first session before again striking late as a mixture of rain and strong winds hampered the teams during the afternoon running. The unhelpful track conditions later in the day meant the times from the morning session were the quickest during yesterday's running.

Lorenzo, who needs crutches to walk due to an ankle injury, said: "I have more pain walking than on the bike which is good and adrenaline helps with it, too. I'm not 100 per cent but I think we still did a good job.

"The injury, the loss of points and the loss of the engine makes it more difficult for the championship but this just gives me more motivation."