Scott Redding revels in ‘amazing’ home win at Silverstone

Scott Redding thrilled a record home crowd at Silverstone yesterday (Sunday) with a stunning victory that put him firmly back in control of the Moto2 world championship chase.

The Gloucestershire rider delivered a faultless final four laps to streak away from Takaaki Nakagami and Thomas Luthi to claim a win that saw him take 17-points out of main title rival Pol Espargaro.

The Spaniard could only finish eighth, with Redding’s fourth career win and second in his home race moving him 38-points clear of Espargaro.

Redding got an incredible reception from a record crowd of over 73,000 fans and he said: “That was absolutely amazing. There was pressure but no pressure because the atmosphere from the crowd was pushing me along and keeping me calm.  To get a home win is absolutely amazing, it is great for my championship.”

With the initiative swinging back right in his favour, Redding said he would not be getting carried away and letting his thoughts drift to clinching what would be a historic world title in November.

No British rider has won a Grand Prix title since late legend Barry Sheene in 1977, but Redding said his focus will remained fixed on repeatedly beating Espargaro in the final six races.

He added: “You always have to be on top of your opponent. The worst thing is either your teammate or main rival is in front of you in practice or the race. You always want to be quickest, so I just do my best to always be in front of Pol.”

Redding outlined his strategy for the remainder of the season now that he heads to Misano with such a comfortable cushion over Espargaro.

The Marc VDS Racing rider’s latest win almost killed off the title hopes of Esteve Rabat, who was fourth at Silverstone, and who now trails Redding by 57-points in third spot in the overall rankings.

Redding added: “It is never over until Valencia. Anything can happen. People say it’s done but when it’s done I’ll tell you. Race wins are welcome and if I have the pace I’ll push for the win but if I’m in a battle I won’t take big risks and settle for second, as long as its not Espargaro.”

For more exclusive reaction to the British Grand Prix from Redding, Lorenzo and Crutchlow, see the September 4 issue of Motor Cycle News.