Scott Redding ninth as Moto2 pre-season kicks off

British rider Scott Redding kicked off his 2011 Moto2 preparations in Valencia yesterday by posting the ninth best lap in sunny but cool conditions.

The Marc VDS Racing rider logged an unofficial best time of 1.37.4 to edge out new team-mate Mika Kallio by just 0.1s.

The 18-year-old set the same time as former Pramac Ducati MotoGP rider Aleix Espargaro as the first day of winter testing showed once again the high level of competition in the Moto2 class.

Pre-season title favourite Alex de Angelis headed the leaderboard with a best lap of 1.36.7 that was matched by Italian rider Andrea Iannone.

Former 125GP world champion Julian Simon brushed off a crash to finish third quickest ahead of German Stefan Bradl.

Current 125GP world champion Marc Marquez continued his impressive transition to the heavier and more powerful 600cc four-stroke machine with a lap of 1.37.1 securing him the fifth best time.

Moto2 newcomer Bradley Smith continued his preparations with the French-based

Tech 3 Racing squad to finish with a best time of 1.38.0. With no official timing available at the Spanish venue, all times were provided by the teams.

The 125GP field is also in Valencia commencing winter testing ahead of the new season, which gets underway on March 20 under the spectacular Losail International Circuit floodlights in Qatar.

Danny Kent was the leading British rider in ninth position with title favourite Nicolas Terol sharing top spot with Sandro Cortese.