Redding protects points lead in Spain

Scott Redding only lost three points of his Moto2 championship lead at Aragon despite qualifying 10 places behind title rival Pol Espargaro.

As Aspar rider Nico Terol absolutely dominated the race, the fortunes of championship combatants Espargaro and Redding monopolized the spotlight.

Redding had struggled in qualifying and started only 13th, but was up to fifth within a lap. Soon afterward he rose to second, ahead of Espargaro, as the Spaniard lost ground in a tough battle with his Pons teammate Tito Rabat.

Rabat fought back and ultimately regained second from Redding after a long fight. Espargaro also caught Redding in the closing laps, and despite the Marc VDS rider's strenuous efforts, was able to snatch the final podium position, as Redding's teammate Mika Kallio closed in.

The results means Redding's championship lead is now 20 points with four rounds to go.