Scott Redding storms Jerez Moto2 test

Scott Redding’s hopes of making an immediate impression in the new Moto2 world championship were boosted when he ended the second day of testing in Jerez yesterday with the second fastest time.

The Gloucestershire rider clocked a best time of 1.44.600 on the Marc VDS Racing Suter MMX machine to finish just behind Japan’s Yuki Takahashi on the impressive Tech 3 bike.

Redding, who had struggled to make the switch from 125s until a private test in Jerez last week saw him make a major breakthrough with his riding style, beat former factory Kawasaki rider Anthony West into third place.

Pre-season favourite and former MotoGP winner Toni Elias, who was quickest on the opening day, steered his Gresini Moriwaki bike to the fifth best time, just over a tenth behind Redding.

Elias had been much faster on the opening day when he topped the timesheets with a best time of 1.44.077 when 17-year-old Redding was ninth quickest.

Highlighting just how close the four-stroke 600cc class could be, the top 21 riders were split by a second.

Moto2 testing concludes in Jerez today before the historic first race takes place on April 11 under the Losail International Circuit floodlights in Qatar.