Australia MotoGP: Bradley Smith makes strong start

Bradley Smith kicked off his quest for a fourth straight 125GP podium in impressive fashion, the British teenager clocking the second quickest time in opening practice for Sunday’s Phillip Island clash in Australia.

In sunny but blustery conditions at the spectacular coastal circuit, Smith logged a best time of 1.38.690 to finish just 0.255s adrift of Pol Espargaro.

The Oxfordshire rider climbed from seventh to second with a blistering last lap that saw him edge out Nicolas Terol in third by just 0.027s.

Fourth place went to Smith’s Aspar Aprilia team-mate Julian Simon who logged a fastest time of 1.38.816.

The Spaniard can clinch the world title on Sunday though he was 0.381s adrift of compatriot Espargaro.

While it was a great opening session for Smith, fellow Brits Scott Redding and Danny Webb had a difficult and painful start to the weekend.

Redding was involved in an incident with German Stefan Bradl that saw the Gloucestershire rider crash heavily going into Siberia.

The pair tangled and Redding was sent careering into the gravel trap, tumbling several times before coming to a rest near the tyre wall. He ended the session down in 22nd place with a best time of 1.41.237 having only completed 14 laps.

Webb also crashed out after he’d made an encouraging start that saw the 18-year-old Kent rider run in the top four in the early stages.

He looked on course for a top ten finish when he lost the front end of his Degraaf Aprilia at Turn Four with just over 15 minutes remaining. He walked away unhurt and ended the session in 16th position with a best time of 1.40.482.