British MotoGP: Bradl wins, Smith battles to second

Viessmann Kiefer Racing rider Stefan Bradl has won the British Moto2 race in wet conditions after by 7.601secs from Britain’s Bradley Smith.

Bradl got the holeshot, with pole setter Marc Marquez struggling to get off the line. Bradl had a big moment at the end of lap one allowing Marc VDS Racing’s Scott Redding to take the lead in front of his home crowd. Bradl regrouped and stuck behind Redding to retake the lead on lap four.

Mattia Pasini overtook Redding on lap five and on lap six took the lead. The lead was short lived, though, as the Italian crashed out only a lap later braking in to the final chicane, leaving Bradl to nurse the Kalex machine home.

Brit Bradley Smith – who qualified 28th – rode a briliant race and was upto 12th by the end of the first lap. But the Tech 3 rider wasn’t finished and battled all the way up to second place. A terrific ride from the young Brit.

After a good start Redding struggled in the wet conditions and on lap 13 was lucky to stay upright after he lost traction exiting the final corner. Redding finished fifth behind Jules Cluzel.

Gresini Racing rider Michele Pirro took the final step on the podium. Kenan Sofuoglu finished eighth onboard his Suter macine after crashing out of second place on lap 11.