Scott Redding makes flying start in Catalunya

British MotoGP rookie Scott Redding has posted the second fastest time in this morning’s opening free 125GP practice session in Catalunya.

The Blusens Aprilia rider actually led the session until the dying seconds when home favourite and world title contender Nicolas Terol beat him.

Redding first jumped to the top of the timesheets with just over a minute remaining when he logged a 1.53.066. Terol bumped him back to second but on his last lap Redding again moved into first when a 1.52.776 moved him clear of the Spaniard.

Terol though saved his best for last when a 1.52.598 moved him 0.178s ahead of Redding.

Redding, who was at Catalunya just two weeks ago for a round of the Spanish championship, ended up second with Frenchman Mike di Meglio in third with a 1.53.010.

Polaris World Aprilia rider Bradley Smith was sixth quickest as he rode through the pain barrier again. Still troubled by a badly swollen right hand he suffered in a qualifying tumble in Mugello six days ago, the 17-year-old clocked a best lap of 1.53.262.

Danny Webb had a difficult start this morning on a partially damp track following torrential last night.

The Aprilia rider walked away unhurt from a crash early in the session and a lap of 1.56.677 left him way off the pace and down in 28th on the timesheets.