The boxes containing the bikes and materials returned unopened to Europe from Japan this week as the eruption of an Icelandic volcano gave the teams and riders and extra week off from World Championship duty. The second round of the season therefore takes place this weekend at Jerez, known as the ‘Cathedral’ of Spanish motorcycling. Indeed, the Spanish armada that dominated the opening race of 2010 in Qatar will be difficult to penetrate on home soil.
Bancaja riders Nico Terol and Bradley Smith travel to Jerez with the podium clearly in focus and their suitcases packed with motivation. The Spaniard, leader of the 125cc standings for the first time in his career, clearly needs no further encouragement whilst the Brit is returning to the scene of his career first victory. Both riders were on the pace here in preseason testing and have every chance of challenging for the top position on the podium this weekend.
Nico Terol:
“I am really excited about the Grand Prix of Spain because it is the first home race of the season. After leaving Qatar with the best possible result and the postponement of the Motegi race I go there as the 125cc series leader and that is an extra motivation for me. I’m sure it will be a tough race because there are five very fast riders at the front and there will also be a lot of Spanish riders pushing for a good result on Sunday too. Personally I’m really looking forward to it and I’m ready to ride on the limit to get back on the podium. It gives me strength to be racing in front of my home fans as the series leader but I have to keep my feet on the ground because it’s a long championship and this is only the start. The knowledge that we have done our job well so far means I can stay calm and ride without pressure in front of the Spanish fans.”
Bradley Smith:
“Last week was crazy with the postponement of the Grand Prix of Japan. Jerez is a circuit that brings back great memories for me, especially my first Grand Prix victory a year ago. I’m excited and looking forward to getting out onto the track and trying to repeat that result on Sunday. The important thing will be to identify the problems we had in Qatar on Friday, fix them and start working towards the race. It is important for us to have a bike that is 100% effective if we’re going to be fighting in the lead pack. Preseason testing at Jerez was very productive so we know we have a base setting that works there. Jerez proved to be my ‘lucky’ circuit last year so hopefully this year it can be the springboard to another good season.”
