Sepang MotoGP: Torrential rain keeps Danny Webb on 125GP front row

Torrential rain that battered the Sepang circuit in Malaysia earlier today has left British teenager Danny Webb on the front row of the 125GP grid.

Webb’s stunning performance yesterday when he claimed third in a dry opening qualifying session helped secure him a third front row start of 2008 with today’s rain making it impossible for anybody to better their times.

Webb, who is recovering from a badly damaged left little finger he suffered in Phillip Island earlier this month, was also in fine form in this morning’s second free practice session, which was run in dry conditions. He ended the session fifth quickest, with fellow British rider Bradley Smith an impressive third.

Webb’s two previous starts from the front row in Estoril and Indianapolis saw him claim a best result of fifth and said: “I’m really happy to be on the front row again. We always know in Malaysia that the storms can play a big role, so it was important to put in a good time yesterday to make sure I got a good starting position.

“I got my career best result from the front row in Estoril, but last time in Indianapolis I didn’t have such a good ride and was only 15th, so hopefully I can get a better result tomorrow.”

This afternoon’s torrential rain, which had all but stopped by the time 125 qualifying got underway just after 1pm local time, leaves Scott Redding starting from 11th on the third row, with Polaris World Aprilia rider Smith on the fourth row in 13.

Webb was one of the most competitive riders in the wet this afternoon as a time of 2.30.611 was fourth quickest, with Smith 10th and Redding 20th.