Bankia Aspar’s Nicolas Terol continued his good form from the opening two rounds of the season, to lead the way in the first practice session for the bwin Grande Prémio de Portugal. Second quickest was Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport), one spot ahead of the next Bankia Aspar rider, Héctor Faubel.

The current 125cc championship leader’s quickest lap of 1’47.746, was an advantage of 1.058s over the Frenchman in second. The Spaniard headed the timesheets for almost the whole session and will be aiming for his third consecutive race win of 2011 this weekend.

After a three week break due to the postponement of the Grand Prix of Japan, action resumed in Estoril where the first session was held in dry and cloudy conditions. With rain feared over the weekend, the rain held off for the opening practice.


After claiming his first podium in 125cc last time out at Jerez, Zarco was the nearest challenger to the dominant Terol and split the Bankia Aspar team mates in FP1. Héctor Faubel who finished ninth after a crash in the previous race fighting for the victory was 1.163s off the best time set by his fellow compatriot./p>

Sandro Cortese (Intact-Racing Team Germany) who currently lies in third in the championship standings was fourth fastest, with a deficit of 1.211s off Terol’s time. Efrén Vázquez (Ajo Motorsport) who was fifth in Spain was one place behind the German and ahead of Jonas Folger (Red Bull Ajo Motorsport) who is second in the world championship after his second place in Jerez.

Alberto Moncayo (Team Andalucía Banca Cívica) was seventh quickest, a further 2.251s off the quickest time. He finished ahead of the Portuguese rider, Miguel Oliveira (Team Andalucía Banca Cívica) who will be racing in front of his home fans in his third race of his rookie season.

Completing the top ten were Sergio Gadea (Blusens by Paris Hilton Racing) and Luis Salom (RW Racing GP). The top ten were covered by 2.739s as the riders find their set-ups for the weekend.