Catalunya MotoGP: Bradley Smith and Scott Redding in provisional top ten

Injured British rider Bradley Smith and rookie Scott Redding have claimed top ten places on the provisional grid for Sunday’s Catalunya 125GP.

A fastest time of 1.51.988 secured eight for Polaris World Aprilia rider Smith, who is still recovering from right hand and left foot injuries he suffered in a qualifying crash six days ago in Mugello.

Smith’s best time was 0.885s slower than provisional pole setter Pol Espargaro, who scored his first podium of 2008 last weekend in Italy.

Two places behind Smith in 10th is Redding, who had starred this morning when he claimed second in the opening free practice session. The Blusens Aprilia rider clocked a best time of 1.52.227 to finish just 0.2s behind Smith.

Danny Webb was a creditable 12th with a fastest time of 1.52.254. He was in the top 10 until the closing stages, but was happy to be in the top 15 after a big spill this morning.

Webb crashed when he clipped a damp trackside kerb. His Aprilia machine was completely wrecked; with reports suggesting only the swingarm was salvageable.

With Espargaro claiming provisional pole, joint world championship leader Mike di Meglio was second quickest as he goes in search of a fourth consecutive podium.

Reigning world champion Gabor Talmacsi was third in front of team-mate Sergio Gadea. Gadea completed the front row after he’d been fastest with only eight
minutes remaining.