Podium joy for Redding

QUEDGELEY rider Scott Redding scored his first-ever podium finish in the Moto2 World Championship with a brilliant third place in the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix.

In scorching conditions, the 17-year-old finished behind championship leader Tony Elias and 125cc world champion Julian Simon.

“That was wicked and really hard work in the scorching conditions for an English rider,” said the Marc VDS rider.

“It was brilliant to finish on the podium and I can’t wait for the next round at Misano in Italy.”

Elías won in the intermediate class with a characteristically measured ride taking a third consecutive GP win for the first time in his career as he tightened his grip on the inaugural Moto2 title.

The Gresini Racing rider now leads the overall standings by 67 points after ten rounds, having topped the podium ahead of pole man Simón (Mapfre Aspar) and Redding.

The race was restarted and shortened to 17 laps due to two separate crashes on the opening lap of the original contest, which brought out the red flag.

Championship leader Elías made a fantastic getaway as he used the gap on the front row vacated by Simone Corsi (JiR Moto2) to advance into the lead on lap one.

Corsi started from the back of the grid, having qualified fourth, as he experienced problems with his bike due to the crash, but rocketed up the field throughout the race.

Elías and Simón became involved in a duel for top spot with Redding watching from third as he kept tabs on the duo, and six laps from the end Elías made a superb overtake round the outside of Simón to assume the lead.

He held that to the end, eventually crossing the line just over four-tenths of a second ahead of his compatriot.

Redding crossed in third, just under four seconds behind Simón, having been strong throughout the two days, with Andrea Iannone (Fimmco Speed Up) fourth.