Jerez : Race - 125cc
Alvaro Bautista opened his 125cc account for both season and career at today ` s Grand Prix in Jerez.
The Spanish star gave the home crowd something to cheer about with an impressive performance, finishing ahead of Lukas Pesek and Mattia Pasini. Pesek took off from the start, first into the corner whilst Pasini dropped to sixth from pole. After Alvaro Bautista moved himself to the front on lap 2, he was looking over his shoulder before breaking away.

Thomas Luthi, the reigning World Champion, languished in 21st during the early stages. A crash on lap 11 ended a miserable weekend for the Swiss rider, who is still obviously on the road to recovery from the fractured collarbone suffered in preseason. Obviously disappointed, Luthi had come to Jerez only expecting a points finish, but the front end incident means he goes home empty handed.

The same lap also saw the exit of Aleix Espargaro. Pasini clawed his way back during the middle part of the race, pushing his bike up to third behind the breakaway duo of Bautista and Pesek.

Despite the Czech rider ` s best efforts, including a new 125cc circuit record, Bautista pulled away and took victory by over three seconds from his nearest challenger. Pasini completed the podium places, followed by Mika Kallio, Julian Simon and Hector Faubel in the top six.

English debutante Bradley Smith had a great start to what should be a fantastic first season for the youngster. The Oxford teenager and MotoGP Academy graduate came in 17th at the Jerez circuit. The first ten past the chequered flag also included Sergio Gadea, Gabor Talmacsi, Joan Olive and Pablo Nieto.

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