Terol again starting from front row and confident about race pace

Roasting conditions continued to dominate proceedings on the second day of the Malaysian Grand Prix, with the riders able to comfortably improve yesterday’s lap times in this morning’s free practice but struggling to do so in the heat of the afternoon. Track temperatures of 52ºC made grip levels critical for qualifying and there was little to choose between the top seven riders, who are separated by just 1.3 seconds. Five of those seven are Spaniards and no doubt they will all be battling to extend the countries record-breaking run of 23 consecutive wins.

Bancaja Aspar rider Bradley Smith escaped from a crash this morning, when he lost the front in turn fifteen, but recovered well in the afternoon to dominate the session. He made just one pit stop despite the suffocating heat here, suggesting he is more than equipped to cope with the conditions tomorrow. His tenth lap, set behind his team-mate Nico Terol, was almost good enough for pole position until two laps from the end, when he was dislodged by Marc Marquez and forced to settle for second place. Terol, who was second this morning, was third fastest in the afternoon and both riders are confident of challenging for a third straight podium double for the Bancaja Aspar team.

3rd Nico Terol 2.14.104 (14 laps): “I pushed hard from the start of the session to get into the best possible rhythm. I didn’t manage to match my time from this morning, partly because of the heat, and even though I ended up some way off Marc’s best time I am happy because I set my lap on my own. We have to improve the rear grip for tomorrow but I am sure we will have the right set-up for the race. If we can make a good start we can run at the front and fight for the win. It will be very hot so it will be important to stay focused and not lose pace at the end of the race. It is a long circuit and even though it is possible to escape here it is very tough to ride alone.”

Source: Bancaja Aspar Team