Pedrosa has the edge in Japan

(Getty Images)

Dani Pedrosa finished top after day one of practice at the Japanese Grand Prix ahead of MotoGP World Championship leader Casey Stoner as Repsol Honda riders filled the top three places in Motegi.

Following Pedrosa and Stoner was Andrea Dovizioso after the second free practice while defending champion Jorge Lorenzo was fifth.

Stoner is on the brink of becoming double world champion, with a 44-point lead over Lorenzo, and is keen to wrap up the title. "Unfortunately we went in slightly the wrong direction and couldn't get the bike to turn or hook up on the last two exits," he said.