Set in hot conditions on the harder rear tyre, a lap in the high 1.56s placed the Indianapolis Grand Prix winner ahead of his fellow compatriot Jorge Lorenzo, who was a crashed half way through the session.
Italian Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Andrea Dovizioso, who is set to join Ducati next season, completed the top three as he continued his good form this season, finishing less than two tenths off the top.
His British teammate Cal Crutchlow came in fourth, enjoying a good day as he put in a fast lap at the end of the afternoon session, matching his performance of the morning.
German LCR Honda rider Stefan Bradl set the fifth quickest time of the day, with Bradl setting the fastest first sector time.
Italian Ducati rider Valentino Rossi had one of his best outings all season as he occupied sixth place, finishing less than half a second off Pedrosa. Spanish San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Alvaro Bautista went seventh fastest, yet crashed out of the afternoon session with three minutes left.
American Yamaha rider Ben Spies, who came in eight, also crashed out. However, the Texan was able to get back out on his spare bike for the second half of practice.
Spanish Power Electronics Aspar rider Aleix Espargaro was the top CRT rider, setting the ninth fastest time of the day, yet also dropped his bike in the gravel with only two minutes left in the session. Pramac Racing Team rider Toni Elías completed the top ten.
Italian Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Andrea Dovizioso, who is set to join Ducati next season, completed the top three as he continued his good form this season, finishing less than two tenths off the top.
His British teammate Cal Crutchlow came in fourth, enjoying a good day as he put in a fast lap at the end of the afternoon session, matching his performance of the morning.
German LCR Honda rider Stefan Bradl set the fifth quickest time of the day, with Bradl setting the fastest first sector time.
Italian Ducati rider Valentino Rossi had one of his best outings all season as he occupied sixth place, finishing less than half a second off Pedrosa. Spanish San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Alvaro Bautista went seventh fastest, yet crashed out of the afternoon session with three minutes left.
American Yamaha rider Ben Spies, who came in eight, also crashed out. However, the Texan was able to get back out on his spare bike for the second half of practice.
Spanish Power Electronics Aspar rider Aleix Espargaro was the top CRT rider, setting the ninth fastest time of the day, yet also dropped his bike in the gravel with only two minutes left in the session. Pramac Racing Team rider Toni Elías completed the top ten.
