Having made a great effort to contest in front of his home crown during the past weekend, the Spaniard was forced to take the medical advice of his doctors and not risk another injury during this week's testing.
Yamaha duo Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, who gave the Catalan fans a show to remember during last weekend's race, completed the podium in 2nd and 3rd respectively. While the reigning world champion took the morning off, Lorenzo tried out the Japanese manufacturer's new engine, due to be implemented on the both Yamaha bikes from mid-season on.
The multi-race engine proved effective enough, as the Spaniard came only 0.012 seconds behind Rossi, who contested on a regular power plant.
Fourth place was taken by Pramac Racing's Mika Kallio, who managed to top Ducati's work rider Casey Stoner by 0.126 seconds in the time charts. The Australian was again troubled by flu, which he picked up on Sunday, and was unable to challenge the leading pack all day.
Teammate Nicky Hayden scored another disappointing 14th place on Monday, as the Kentuckian again revealed he just can't seem to find that strong feeling on the Desmosesedici GP9.
Yesterday's crashes – as there had to be some – included Pramac Racing's Niccolo Canepa and Hayate Racing's Marco Melandri. However, none of the riders were injured in the process.
Here are the complete results of Monday's testing at Circuit de Catalunya:
1. Andrea Dovizioso ( Honda) 1:42.230
2. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 1:42.434
3. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) 1:42.446
4. Mika Kallio (Pramac Ducati) 1:42.637
5. Casey Stoner (Ducati) 1:42.763
6. Loris Capirossi (Suzuki) 1:43.188
7. Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda) 1:43.247
8. Chris Vermeulen (Suzuki) 1:43.299
9. Alex de Angelis (Gresini Honda) 1:43.360
10. Niccolo Canepa (Pramac Ducati) 1:43.391
11. Marco Melandri (Hayate Kawasaki) 1:43.506
12. Toni Elias (Gresini Honda) 1:43.708
13. Sete Gibernau (Hernando Ducati) 1:43.819
14. Nicky Hayden (Ducati) 1:44.157
15. Gabor Talmacsi (Scot Honda) 1:45.056
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