Julian Simon dominates in Jerez

Bradley Smith’s Aprilia team-mate Julian Simon continued his domination of the 125GP pre-season in Jerez yesterday as the Oxfordshire rider ended seventh quickest.

Smith posted a best time of 1.48.828s on his Aspar Aprilia machine but was once again beaten comfortably by the impressive Simon, who has topped the timesheets in every 125GP test so far.

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Simon was quickest under overcast skies yesterday with a best time of 1.47.345s with Efren Vazquez the only other rider to lap within a second of the Spaniard.

British rookie Matt Hoyle had a tough start on the new Chinese-backed Haojue machine.

The former Red Bull Rookies Cup star posted a best time of 1.56.323s, while team-mate Michael Ranseder was able to clock a fastest time of 1.51.882.

That time left the Austrian in a respectable 23rd place.