To me, this sounds like,,,,,,who wants to wreck there bike the fastest
His bike Might be a tad faster away from the lights and the dual carriage-way,,,,,,,,BUT let him off,,,, you shouldnt care what he is doing.
I garantee you that if YOU hang back and take it a bit slower YOU will become a far BETTER rider than him,,,,,,in alot less time.
There is plenty to think about and plenty to be looking at rather than wondering what your mate is doing,,,,,e.g. your mate takes off flying when the light turns green, you take your time and take off nice and steady, your mate is the one who got hit by a car who ran his red light, you are the one who goes to see him in hospital.
Biking is not all about speed, i sugest you take yourself to the country roads on your own (no mates), drive however you want going there but on the way back, sit up a bit straighter, ease off the throttle and take your time,,,,,,you will instantly feel more in control of your bike, your trip will be far more meaning-full and plesent, you will be back home in what seems to be far less time than it took to get out there.
Dont get me wrong,,,,,,, i like to give my bike a good old thrashing every now and again so im not just telling you to go slow,,,,,,,you are only biking a week you say, so i am more or less helping you understand what its all about,,,,,,,,going fast is a thrill but it takes alot of knowlage that has to come to you naturally and without thinking,,,,,,if you cant see the dangers when going slow then you definatley wont see them going fast. I have been on a bike for many years and i still have much to learn.
YOU will learn faster and better if you take your time and use your head to think quick !
Hope This Helps