Scott Redding eyeing Texas victory challenge

British rider Scott Redding is confident he will be fighting for victory in the inaugural Moto2 race at the spectacular new Circuit of the Americas in Texas this weekend.

The Marc VDS Racing rider got his 2013 world title challenge off to a fantastic start in Qatar earlier this month when he powered his Kalex machine to second place behind pre-season favourite Pol Espargaro.

The 20-year-old was only beaten by Spaniard Espargaro on a thrilling final lap and Redding is hoping he can mount another victory assault in round two in Texas this Sunday.

Speaking to MCN ahead of the first race at the long and technical Circuit of the Americas, Redding said: “We have to go there for a podium but really again we need to push for a victory, which I think is possible as it is a new track and looks really good.”

Redding said it will be important for him to try and break the early season momentum gained by Espargaro, who dominated the winter testing schedule before he took the first 25-points up for grabs in Qatar.

The Gloucestershire rider said: “It will be very important because I don’t think he expects me to be so fast in the race and I watched an interview of him the other day where he said he wanted to go to Jerez with maximum points so he doesn’t have so much pressure. So if I can beat him in Texas it would be a good start.”

Redding, who has been relaxing in America with girlfriend Penny ahead of the first of two visits to America for the Moto2 field this season, said he had not done any specific preparation to learn the new track in Austin.

“Honestly, I haven’t done anything yet. You can look at thousands of videos and pictures but until you get there its not the same. I will run one lap when I arrive and possibly walk the track with my crew chief Pete Benson, as it is a new track for him too.

I’m pretty good at learning new tracks. In my first season in the paddock in 2008 I had to prove myself and that meant learning tracks fast and getting on with it. Also for me it is way more exciting to ride a new track, so there is always that little bit of extra motivation, “said Redding, who has been tipped for a switch to MotoGP in 2014.

For full coverage of the first ever Circuit of the Americas MotoGP weekend, see the April 24 issue of Motor Cycle News.