2009 IRTA Test 250 Class - Day 2 - Bautista Edges Barbera

Alvaro Bautista shone under the Spanish sun at Jerez on Thursday, topping the timesheets in both sessions. But Bautista didn't have it his own way: During the 250-only afternoon session the Mapfre Aspar rider was only barely faster than compatriot Hector Barbera, and only just over a tenth of a second quicker than title rival Marco Simoncelli on the Gilera.

Aspar's two rookies coming up from the 125 class also showed well. Gabor Talmacsi - technically in his own Balaton Racing Team, but under the Aspar umbrella - was slower in the morning session, but by the afternoon, had jumped up to 5th. Reigning 125cc champion Mike di Meglio went the opposite way, taking 2nd spot in the morning, while dropping to a still highly respectable 6th fastest during the afternoon session.

Surprise of the day was Lukas Pesek, climbing into the top 4 in the afternoon, despite only having an Aprilia LE, rather than the factory spec RSA the other top riders are running.

Meanwhile, injuries are starting to take their toll. After crashing heavily yesterday, Axel Pons - son of former 250 champion and team manager Sito - was forced to sit out today's session, while Vladimir Leonov also crashed again heavily in the morning, though he rode again during the afternoon.

Testing finishes tomorrow, before the MotoGP bikes take to the track. MotoGPMatters will be at trackside, and will bring you a summary of the three days of testing, as well as trying to track down Stevie Bonsey.

Session 2 times (afternoon session)

Session 1 times (morning session)