MotoGP: Bradley Smith fastest in Jerez test

Bradley Smith has ended the three-day IRTA 125GP test session with the fastest time to continue his impressive pre-season form.

The Polaris World Aprilia rider clocked his best lap as the final day was run in near perfect conditions following two days of weather disruption.

Smith beat 2007 world title contender Sergio Gadea to the best time by just 0.1s with a quickest lap of 1.47.820s.

Smith, who is the youngest British rider ever to stand on a GP podium after finishing third in Le Mans last season, has now not finished outside of the top two in each of his first three 2008 tests for his new Aprilia squad. Smith was fastest in the first Jerez test last month and second in Valencia a week later.

The Oxfordshire rider said: “It was difficult here because the first two days the rain and wind meant we could not go fast and test how we wanted. Today the conditions were much better and we are really happy with the times. However, we will not get carried away but I now can’t wait for that first grand prix of the year in Qatar in two weeks time.”

British rookie Scott Redding continued the fast start to his GP career by posting the 11th best time, while Danny Webb bravely claimed 14th while riding with torn ligaments in his right shoulder after a crash last weekend in Valencia.