Brno MotoGP: Bradley Smith misses front row

Bradley Smith will start tomorrow’s Czech Republic 125GP from fifth on the grid after today’s qualifying session at a hot and sunny Brno circuit.

The British teenager, who was quickest yesterday in cooler conditions, lapped in a best time of 2.08.957 to miss the front row by 0.415s on his Aspar Aprilia.

Today’s qualifying session was headed by Andrea Iannone, who impressed with a best tine if 2.08.171. That was nearly 0.8s faster than Smith and it secured the Italian his second pole position of the season by 0.313s.

Nicolas Terol was second quickest with a best time of 2.08.484 that just edged out German Sandro Cortese in third by 0.023s.

World championship leader Julian Simon completed the front row in fourth position with a best time of 2.08.542 as he looks to stretch his 50-point advantage over Aspar Aprilia team-mate Sergio Gadea in tomorrow’s 19-lap race.

Gadea could only finish seventh this afternoon with a best time of 2.09.240. Danny Webb will start from 14th on the grid as he shrugged off a disastrous first day.

The Kent rider only completed a handful of laps in practice yesterday following an engine seizure on his Degraaf Aprilia.

He made up 19 places today though with a best time of 2.10.081 leaving him just shy of two seconds off the best pace. British GP podium finisher Scott Redding is facing a tough task tomorrow after he could only qualify down in 22nd place.

The Gloucestershire rider suffered heavy bruising to his right ankle and foot after a massive high-side crash in this morning’s second practice session. The 16-year-old finished with a best time of 2.10.685.