Simón heads 125cc grid at round six

The sixth 125cc race of the year will start with Spanish rider Julián Simón in pole position at the Gran Premi Cinzano de Catalunya on Sunday, courtesy of his 1’51.448 best effort in qualifying.

The man who currently lies second in the general standings registered his best time towards the end of the session in extremely hot conditions with the track temperature reaching 51°C and ambient temperature at 38°C.

Representing the Derbi factory which lies close to the Barcelona track, local youngster Pol Espargaró missed out on pole by just 0.02s at his home venue – the Catalan rider having ridden to the circuit on a scooter from his home, which is also just a short distance away.

Causing a surprise in third place Jonas Folger (Ongetta Team I.S.P.A.) shot up onto the front row right at the death, where he will be joined by Randy Krummenacher (Degraaf Grand Prix).

A strong second row will feature Sergio Gadea (Bancaja Aspar), Nico Terol (Jack & Jones Team), Bradley Smith (Bancaja Aspar) and Andrea Iannone (Ongetta Team I.S.P.A.).