Simon sets the pace

Julian Simon, the leader in the FIM 125cc World Championship, was the fastest rider on the opening day of the Italian round of the series at Mugello.

Simon, on the Bancaja Aspar Aprilia, set a best lap time of one minute 59.437 seconds to hold off team-mate Sergio Gadea who was 0.284 seconds behind.

Third quickest was Italian Andrea Iannone, of the Ongetta Team, with the third Bancaja rider Bradley Smith in fourth.

With Simon and team-mate Smith separated by 5.5 points in the championship standings an exciting race on Sunday already looks in prospect.

Fifth fastest was Nicolas Terol of the Jack & Jones team, with Stefan Bradl (Viessmann Kiefer Racing) the sixth best before he crashed heavily from his machine near the end of the practice session. Despite the fall he was able to walk away.

The top 10 was completed by Sandro Cortese (Ajo Interwetten), Blusens Aprilia team-mates Esteve Rabat and Scott Redding, and Lorenzo Savadori (Fontana Racing).