Smith off to flying start in Le Mans

British teenager Bradley Smith topped the timesheets in this morning’s opening free 125 practice session at a grey and gloomy Le Mans.

With light drizzle falling throughout the 45-minute session after heavy early morning fog slowly cleared, Smith set the fastest time of 1.45.526 to finish 0.545s clear of next best rider Sergio Gadea.

Smith has been showing impressive form recently, claiming a career best qualifying position earlier this month with fifth place in Shanghai.

He’s finished eighth in the last two races and is desperate to break into the top six for the first time after his disappointment in China, where a botched rear tyre choice cost him a chance of a maiden podium.

Current world 125 championship leader and Shanghai winner Lukas Pesek was only 10th fastest, finishing 1.379s behind Smith.