British MotoGP: Scott Redding praying for reliability

Scott Redding has played down his hopes of pulling off a stunning second successive British 125GP victory at Donington Park this weekend.

The Gloucestershire rider became an overnight sensation 13 months ago when he became the youngest rider in history to win a Grand Prix.

But heading to his home race this weekend, the 16-year-old is adopting a cautious approach on his prospects of another sensational success.

Redding’s confidence has taken a battering in recent weeks with his Blusens Aprilia constantly hit by mechanical problems.

Redding has been forced out of the last two races after his bike broke down, his most recent morale-crushing mechanical failure coming in Germany last weekend when he’s superbly fought his way through from 24th to eighth.

Redding told MCN: “I hope I can do what I did last year but it might be a bit of a struggle. If we can get the bike going then I might have a chance. The last few races the bike has really let me down and it’s been really disappointing.

“I’ve got a lot expectation to get a good result this weekend but I’ve got the bike to deal with because it has been letting me down a lot.

“For me now the championship is out of the window and I’ve got to keep trying to get on the podium now in every race and see if I can get up there near the front.

“I know there’s a lot of pressure and everybody is asking me if I can repeat what I did last year. I can’t avoid that so I’ve just got to get on with my job.”

Redding has at least been able to console himself with some impressive performances when his Blusens Aprilia RSW has not failed.

Twice in 2009 he’s been on the front row in second place and in Jerez he was close to a podium on the last lap.

He added: “After last year I was hoping to come into the championship and finish top five but that’s not happening.

“But when the bike is running I can get some good results and show my potential, so I’ll be looking for the top five at least.”

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