SMITH LEADS THE WAY ONCE AGAIN

The Oxford rider lapped the 2.478 mile circuit , which is the venue for the Spanish Grand Prix next month, in one minute 47.820s to lead grand prix winner Sergio Gadea by just over one tenth of a second.

Smith, who is the youngstest British rider ever to stand on a grand prix podium after finishing third in the French 125 Grand Prix last season, joined the Polaris World Aprilia team at the start of the season and has been in sensational form.

"It was difficult here because the first two days the rain and wind meant we could not go fast and test how we wanted," explained Smith, who was fastest in the first Jerez test last month and second in Valencia a week later. "Today the conditions were much better and we are really happy with the times. However, we will not get carried away but I now can't wait for that first grand prix of the year in Qatar in two weeks time."

It was a good three days for the other British riders. Fifteen year old Gloucestershire rider Scott Redding once again proved how he has adapted to grand prix racing by finishing 11th fastest on the Blusens Honda. Kent-based Danny Webb fought through the pain barrier after a big crash in Valencia testing to finish 14th riding the De Graff Aprilia.

In the 250cc class Ulsterman Eugene Laverty?s switch to Aprilia is paying off and he was 18th fastest with former World 125 cc Champion Thomas Luthi leading the way.

Smith heads for Qatar next week and the special night test for all riders before that opening race on March 9.