The Gran Premio de la Comunidad Valenciana showed that last was most definitely not least in the 125cc class, as the category rounded off the year with an entertaining race in front of a packed grandstand. The final meeting of the year, the 11am start saw all riders out to close 2009 o a high, and it was Bradley Smith who was quickest out of the blocks. Spanish stars attempted to make their mark on the race, but the best of these was undoubtedly Julián Simón. The Bancaja man followed on from his wins over Smith in Australia and Malaysia to do the triple, ousting his teammate on the final lap. Once again, the duo gave their team a one-two to end the year.
The finale to a perfect year could not have ended any other way. Bancaja riders Simón and Smith gave the home team a one-two as a just reward for their efforts in 2009, and for the third race in a row they had to fight for the win amongst themselves. Out in front on their own, Smith had taken the early advantage when the lights went out, but by lap six the World Champion was hot on his heels. A wind-induced mistake from Smith with four laps to go opened the door for his teammate, but the Oxfordshire teenager came back once more to set up a thrilling final lap. After various passing attempts he regained the lead, but a nifty braking move from Simón secured the win for the home rider. A 1′41.650 lap gave Simón the clean sweep of pole, fastest lap and race victory, and ended his stay in 125cc in the best possible fashion.
Smith continued his run of six consecutive podiums, marking him out as the man to beat in 2010.
Sergio Gadea had less fortune at his home race, starting fourteenth on the grid and experiencing mechanical problems after a promising start in which he made up five places on the opening lap. He ended the race in sixteenth.
1st Julián Simón:
“I was really up for it today, and I wanted to give the victory to the fans, but I didn’t have them all on my side today. It was tough for me to win this one, and I had pressure to end the season on a high. Luckily Smith made a mistake that put me in front, although soon after he was back on my tail. On the last lap he passed me where all my fans were situated, so I needed to get back in front by any means necessary. On the next corner I overtook on the brakes in a good spot for me, and then I kept shutting the door. It was an incredible feeling to win in front of the home fans. I think Bradley has shown what a great rider he is, and that next season he will be a strong contender for the title. It has been a great year that I will remember for the rest of my life, with seven wins and seven pole positions. Finishing the year like this is the icing on the cake. This win is for all the sponsors and fans that have been behind us in 2009, and I am full of optimism for next year’s new challenge in Moto2.”
2nd Bradley Smith:
“The fact that myself and Julián did the one-two today is a positive for the team. It has been a fantastic year in which I have enjoyed every moment, especially these last three races with the incredible battles. Fighting with Julián has gifted me a lot of experience. Now I understand much better how the bike behaves, and how I ride during the races. I can take away many positives from the year, and I have learnt so much in terms of tactics. Second place is the fastest loser, so we have to think about how to take a step forward next season, but today we at least had a great race. It was difficult to concentrate with the strong wind today, and with four laps to go I was nearly blown from my bike. I tried to get back behind Julián and we had a thrilling final lap duel.”
16th Sergio Gadea:
“I came out for this race with a lot of motivation, because I wanted a good result. Despite my qualifying low down on the grid because of my crash, I new that I had the pace to get up to the front. I took off well, made up five places on the opening lap, and then noticed that suddenly my bike was not working well. From then on the race was a lost cause, because I couldn’t get the best out of my machine and had to watch as I was slowly passed by more riders. In the end, when I stopped to give away my gloves, the engine gave up completely. It is such a pity to finish the year this way, even more so with it being my home race. In any case the slate has been wiped clean now, and I have to start thinking about 2010.”
