Good first session for Terol with 3rd position

The third Grand Prix in as many weekends got underway in suffocating conditions today, with 36ºC ambient temperatures (46ºC on track) welcoming the 125cc riders to a boiling Barcelona. This may be a Spanish race but Bradley Smith dominated the early stages before being joined at the top of the timesheets by local favourites Nico Terol and Marc Márquez – the trio being the only riders on track to be able to clock 1’51 laps.

It marks a positive start to the weekend for the Bancaja Aspar pair, with Smith clocking a late flying lap to finish just two tenths off the fastest time after spending the session working on his set-up. Terol made more gradual progress but was also challenging at the top by the end of the session, clocking two fast laps to become the first rider to break the 1’52 barrier. He ended with the third fastest time overall, his best lap coming three from the end.

3rd Nico Terol 1.51.983 (20 laps): “I am really motivated ahead of my second home race of the year, it is a special feeling to race in front of the fans. I have made a strong start and I feel comfortable and on the pace from the start. We tried something out and didn’t get the result we hoped for but it doesn’t matter – it is only the first day and we had to rule some things out. Basically we tried a harder tyre than the one we were running and it didn’t work so tomorrow we’ll go slightly for a softer and wider alternative, which should give us a good idea of what we need for the race. The heat is overwhelming so I hope it doesn’t increase tomorrow, although we’ll all suffer together. I’m feeling optimistic and happy with the job we’ve done so far. I’m third but my pace is good and we’ll keep working to challenge for pole tomorrow.”

Source: Team Aspar