Front row start for Terol in Tuscan sunshine

The second day of riding at Mugello provided two exciting 125cc sessions, with times close to the circuit record. In the qualifying session it took just ten minutes for things to become the same as in the morning, with Smith, Terol, Espargaró and Márquez at the head of the field. Espargaró was the first to go round in under 1’58, and the top five rapidly followed suit. It was Sandro Cortese who arrived late to the party and took pole, however, racking up two hot laps on Terol’s tail. The top six are separated by less than four tenths of a second, and it looks as if those in the elite group will be the ones fighting for victory come race time.

The Bancaja Aspar team have both riders on the front row and with chances of winning the Italian Grand Prix. Nico Terol and Bradley Smith had been amongst the top four in free practice, and confirmed their good form in qualifying. Their pace of 1’58s put them at the business end of the timesheet, although slight problems in the second sector cost them a shot at pole position. Terol is fighting to keep the lead of the world championship, whilst Smith is after a repeat of his 2009 Mugello win. Both will be ready for a close battle on Sunday morning.

4th Nico Terol 1.58.586 (16 laps): “I wanted to find my pace from the start, as it will be important for tomorrow. It is clear that a front row start makes running at the head of the field much easier. I was looking to establish my rhythm. It was hard, because it is very hot and the tyres don’t have as much grip as yesterday –we were sliding with the rear a lot. I am happy with the performance of my Aprilia and with my own showing, and I know that we have a chance to win. The goal for tomorrow will be to start well, stay in the lead group and study my rivals in anticipation of the final laps. The race will be tough, especially if it keeps being this hot, and I think that Smith, Pol, Márquez and Cortese’s similar pace will mean that the fight will be between us.”