Youngster Redding wins for Britain

Eurosport - Mon, 23 Jun 13:01:00 2008

Fifteen-year-old Scott Redding became the first Briton since 1986 to win a MotoGP race on home tarmac, claiming a thrilling 125cc victory.

The Blusens Aprilia Junior rider, taking part in just his eighth race, brought Donington Park to its feet, leading the field home by a 5.3-second margin.
Redding spent most of the race in second place behind Italy's Andrea Iannone, but as the Briton closed in Iannone fell on Craner curves.

The last British rider to triumph in a Grand Prix race of any class was Ian McConnachie, who won the 80cc race at Silverstone 22 years ago.

Redding also becomes the youngest rider to win a race at 15 and 170 days, beating the previous record of 15 and 324 days set by Marco Melandri in 1998.

As he is under-age, Redding was not allowed to spray champagne on the podium - with Mike Di Meglio, 20, the only podium finisher old enough to be let loose with the bubbly.

"Unbelievable," said Redding, who was making his first appearance at Donington.

"It's my first podium and I get to stand on the top step. I don't know how it feels yet because it hasn't sunk in but I hope it's going to feel great."

Championship leader Di Meglio claimed a distant second place with Marc Marquez third for KTM.

Frenchman Di Meglio extends his points lead to 23 seconds over Simone Corsi, who finished fifth.
Mechanical trouble put paid to Stefan Bradl's hopes, although the German remains third in the title race.

Redding goes ninth in the overall standings, overtaking Bradley Smith who had to make do with a battling 10th place.

Britain's other 125cc regular Danny Webb failed to complete the first lap.