Deb�n top of 250cc pile on Friday

Under clear blue skies and in soaring temperatures on Friday veteran Spaniard Alex Debón (Aeropuerto-Castello-Blusens) picked up the pace after his thus far disappointing 2009 campaign with the fastest time in the 250cc FP1 session at the Circuit de Catalunya.

As the 250cc men jostled for positions right at the end of the practice outing, Debón’s 1’47.291 time was enough to put him at the head of the timesheet by just a 0.038s margin in front compatriot Álvaro Bautista (Mapfre Aspar Team).

Debón currently lies 14th in the championship but having clearly found a good setting already at the Barcelona track he now perhaps has the opportunity to push up the standings at round six on Sunday.

Japan’s Hiroshi Aoyama (Scot Racing Team), Italy’s Mugello race-winner Mattia Pasini (Team Toth Aprilia) and Frenchman Mike di Meglio (Mapfre Aspar) – the reigning 125cc World Champion – were also in the top five.

The leading ten also featured the names of Thomas Luthi (Emmi - Caffe Latte), 250cc title holder Marco Simoncelli (Metis Gilera), Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing), Héctor Faubel (Valencia CF - Honda SAG) and Ratthapark Wilairot (Thai Honda PTT SAG).