Riding a Suzuki, Hopkins set the pace with 2 minutes, 1.204 seconds at the Shanghai International Circuit, followed by Italy's Marco Melandri on a Honda at 2:01.303.

Defending champions Dani Pedrosa of Spain, who earned his maiden¹ MotoGP victory here last year, was third fastest around the 5.281-kilometer (3.281-mile) track at 2:01.333. Honda teammate and reigning² MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden of the United States was next, just 0.013 behind.

Rain swept the track early in the morning, leaving a light damp on the surface that had all but dried by the afternoon's second session. Qualifying³ will be held Saturday.

Ducati rider Loris Capirossi was fifth at 2:01.365, while fellow Italian Valentino Rossi, the five-time world champion, was 0.025 behind on a Yamaha.

Rossi's American teammate Colin Edwards followed at 2:01.409, with current season leader Casey Stoner of Australia eighth at 2:01.460.

In the 250cc first qualifying session, Spanish rider Jorge Lorenzo rounded the course in 2:05.276, while another Aprilia rider, Mattia Pasini of Italy, was fastest in the 125cc category at 2:11.946.