Danny Kent sets Moto3 pace in Jerez

British teenager Danny Kent’s hopes of emerging as a consistent podium threat in the new Moto3 class in 2012 got another major early boost in Jerez yesterday (Thursdsay).

The Red Bull KTM rider topped the unofficial times during the opening day of the second major Moto3 test with a fastest time of 1.48.4.

That put the 18-year-old 0.3s clear of Alberto Moncayo and 0.8s faster than team-mate Sandro Cortese, who had dominated the first Moto3 test in Valencia last week.

Mahindra rider Danny Webb was ninth fastest with a best lap of 1.50.9 but it was Kent that stole the show on the opening day.

Speaking exclusively to MCN in the February 15 issue after he’d finished fourth fastest in Valencia, he outlined his plan to become a regular podium contender in the new 250cc four-stroke class.

He said: “I have got a really good package with factory support from KTM and with the Ajo team that has won the 125cc title twice.

“I don’t see there being too much pressure on me but I think we have got a really good chance of some podiums. It is still early days yet but my aim is to be consistently on the podium this year.

“I prefer riding the Moto3 bike compared to the 125. You have to change your riding style because of the engine braking. With a 125 you had to go into the corner and trail the front brake but now with the four-stroke with more engine braking you can release the front brake a bit more and the engine braking helps you turn in.

“I feel I can carry a lot more corner speed than what I could do on the 125. Because of the engine braking you can get on the power a lot earlier, so in the middle of the corner you are a lot faster.”