Terol wins inaugural 125cc race of 2010

The waiting finally came to an end at 8pm Sunday evening in Qatar, as the 125cc World Championship riders lined up on the grid for the first race of 2010. Always a tough category, the field was bunched for almost the entirety of the contest, as everybody looked for a dream start to the year. Seven riders emerged as favourites for the win after breaking free in a pack, with Marc Márquez leading the way. The overtaking behind the Spaniard was relentless in the battle for the podium, but the fight for victory with seven laps to go saw the race become even more intense. Bancaja rider Nico Terol broke through at just the right time to overtake his opponents, becoming the victor of the Grand Prix of Qatar. He headed an all-Spanish podium.

Terol combined brains with brawn in an impeccable ride onboard his Aprilia, avoiding trouble in the early going after making a perfect start. Opting for a risk-free strategy in the early going, he studied the riders in front of him and decided to make a late push for the win. With four laps remaining he put down three consecutive fastest laps of the race, becoming the only racer to break the 2’07 mark. A 2’06.674 was his quickest effort. 25 points and a victory to his name after just a single race shows that Terol is a title candidate in 2010, and sends out a message to his rivals.

1st Nico Terol: “I knew as soon as the red light went out that there were going to be many riders fighting for the win. I really concentrated throughout the entire race and was trying to save my tyres as well. I took the pressure off myself, aiming to be in the front group and not take any risks early on. The objective was to make a strong push with seven or eight laps to go, in order to complete the final third of the race with as few rivals as possible around me. When some riders got caught up with one another I made my move, and it proved to be decisive to my victory. I am very grateful to my team, because they did a tremendous job over the weekend. Starting the season with a win is a glorious feeling, but we have to keep our feet on the ground as the season has only just begun.”