Terol starts Sepang GP with third fastest laptime

With barely enough time to rest and recover from their exertions in Japan just five days ago, the 125cc World Championship riders were back on track at Sepang today for the first day of the Malaysian Grand Prix. They were welcomed by ambient temperatures of 36º and 46% humidity, conditions that were no obstacle to the season’s standout riders Nico Terol, Bradley Smith, Marc Márquez and Pol Espargaró, who dominated the session.

Just as they did in Japan a week ago Bancaja Aspar pair Nico Terol and Bradley Smith controlled the early stages although both suffered from rear grip issues that limited their progress. A dirty track surface led to more than the odd crash but Bradley stayed upright, making three pit stops to try and adapt his bike to the conditions, as did Nico, who made two. The Spaniard finished third overall, half a second off the fastest time, with the Brit in fifth.

3rd Nico Terol 2.14.784 (21 laps): “I got into a good rhythm quite easily today because this is a circuit I like. It is always hard to get your laps times down here because it’s a technical track but the conditions are tough and that always makes everything more difficult. I am satisfied with our performance today though, I think we have made a good start to the Grand Prix. I have a good feeling with the bike and hopefully we can continue in the same way tomorrow. The main job has been to find more rear grip because the bike is sliding in a few corners. Marc was really quick today, he also likes this track a lot, so he will be tough to beat but we have to give it everything we have got.”

Source: Bancaja Aspar Team