Redding sets out Motegi stall

Scott Redding underlined his willingness for a battle at Motegi with the fastest lap in the 20-minute warm up ahead of the Moto2 Grand Prix of Japan, posting a time of 1'53.794 on his Suter of the Marc VDS Racing Team. That placed the Brit just six-thousandths of a second ahead of Championship leader and fellow front-row starter Toni Elías (Gresini Racing).

Alex Debón (Aeroport de Castelló-Ajo), who will start from 26th position, was third quickest with pole holder Julián Simón (Mapfre Aspar) completing the top four.

Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) was fifth and was followed by Simone Corsi (JiR Moto2), Claudio Corti (Forward Racing) and Alex de Angelis (JiR Moto2). Michael Ranseder (Vector Kiefer Racing) suffered a crash towards the end and walked away from his fall.

The Moto2 race is due to start at 1.15pm local time.