Scott Redding third in Valencia Moto2 test

Scott Redding finished the Valencia Moto2 test with the third fastest time today as fellow British rider Bradley Smith made an impressive debut in the 600cc four-stroke class. 

Redding logged a best of 1.36.90 to finish behind 2010 runner-up Julian Simon and Estoril winner Stefan Bradl.

Smith, who triumphed in his final 125GP appearance on Sunday, was the busiest rider on track today with the 19-year-old completing a mammoth stint of 90 laps on the 2011 Tech 3 Racing machine.

Smith posted a best time of 1.38.70 to finish just two seconds behind Simon on an encouraging debut.

The Oxfordshire rider, who will ride with Frenchman Mike di Meglio in 2011, said: “What an amazing day.  Today was all about getting confident and comfortable on the bike and learning as much as I can.

“Obviously we’ve got a long way to go but it feels like we’ve done so much already in such a short space of time. Coming straight off the 125 yesterday, the difference with the power and weight was pretty big but I adapted to the bike pretty fast.

“I got myself into a ballpark area with the times but finding that next one or two seconds is when it becomes a lot more difficult. But I am really happy with the way the test went and can’t wait until I’m back out on the bike again.”

Yuki Takahashi, who has taken over the championship-winning Gresini Moriwaki machine campaigned by Toni Elias in 2010, was fourth fastest with a 1.37.02.

Redding’s new team-mate Mika Kallio was way down in 27th on his Moto2 debut as he clocked a best time of 1.39.90 in a long stint of 77 laps.

Former Pramac Ducati team-mate Aleix Espargaro was eighth quickest behind reigning World Supersport champion Kenan Sofuoglu in seventh.