Valencia MotoGP: Bradley Smith quickest in practice

Bradley Smith topped the timesheets at the end of the opening day of 125GP practice at the Valencia circuit in Spain today.

Third fastest this morning behind Spanish duo Efren Vazquez and world title favourite Marc Marquez, the Oxfordshire rider logged a best of 1.40.116 to set the fastest time of the opening day.

Smith, who will make his Moto2 debut for the Tech 3 Racing squad on Monday, was 0.103s faster than Derbi rider Marquez, who is red-hot favourite to win the title on Sunday.

Marquez has won the last four races and goes into the title decider against Nicolas Terol holding a commanding 17-point lead over his compatriot.

He set a best time of 1.40.219 to finish 0.295s clear of Aspar Aprilia rider Terol in third.

If Terol wins Sunday’s race then Marquez only needs to finish eighth to be crowned world champion to complete Spain’s domination of the 2010 season. And if Smith’s team-mate is second, then Marquez only needs to finish 13th.

Completing the top four was Vazquez, who had been quickest this morning with a best time of 1.41.355. He lowered that to a 1.40.719 this afternoon to finish just ahead of Pol Espargaro.

Danny Webb was 14th quickest with a best time of 1.42.837.

Danny Kent was just outside the top 20 with a 1.44.163 on the Lambretta.
Taylor Mackenzie, son of triple British Superbike champion and former 500GP rider Niall, was 26th quickest with a 1.45.051.

That was almost a second faster than his best lap set in this morning’s opening practice session, though he dropped two places down the rankings from 24th.