MotoGP Qatar test: Brits take desert by storm with one-two

After James Toseland’s brilliant second place in the historic first MotoGP night test, British fortunes have continued to soar at the 125 and 250GP session in Qatar.

In-form Aprilia rider Bradley Smith’s sensational pre-season testing form has continued with the teenager fastest after the first two nights at the Losail International Circuit.

And completing a memorable night for British fans, Gloucester rookie Scott Redding was second quickest on the Blusens Aprilia.

And having been an impressive third fastest at the end of the first night, Danny Webb continued to lap consistently with the fastest riders with the sixth best time.

Bradley Smith, who has already clocked the fastest time in two of the three 2008 winter test sessions, posted a best of 2:05.306.

That was over a second faster than reigning world champion Gabor Talmacsi and 0.6s faster than Sergio Gadea’s best lap that the Spaniard topped the timesheets on the first day.

An inspired Redding was only 0.4secs slower than Smith.

Polaris World Aprilia rider Smith, speaking at the end of his first experience of riding at night, said: “The conditions are obviously different to what I’m used to, and I have to say that I prefer riding in the daytime.

“However, this is how it is going to be and we have to accept that. I have to say that riding in these new conditions with shadows distracts you a bit because when you get to a corner and see a black shadow you wonder if there’s somebody right behind you.

“Apart from that the conditions aren’t that different, it’s just a bit colder”.

The 125 and 250 test finishes tonight, with the new season getting underway this Sunday, March 9, 2008.