Moto2: Valencia's turn four to become 'Nico Terol Corner'
By Lisa Lewis
Mapfre Aspar's Nico Terol is set to follow in the footsteps of his team manager Jorge Martinez and MotoGP legend Mick Doohan by having a corner at the Ricardo Tormo circuit named in his honour on Sunday morning.
The Cheste track was the scene of Terol's 125cc title victory last year (pictured) with the Aspar Team, for whom he rides in the Moto2 class.
The 24 year old is a former pupil of the Cuna de Campeones, or Cradle of Champions, a school run at the circuit and in part by Martinez with the philosophy to "train and promote future motorcycling champions".
Other riders who attended the school include Sergio Gadea, Hector Faubel, Adrian Martin and MotoGP's Hector Barbera. Terol is their first 'graduate' to go on to become a world champion.
The Spanish youngster had endured a tricky transition to Moto2, going into the season finale he is currently 21st in the standings after scoring just 19 points so far this season for Aspar on his Suter, with a best finish of twelfth recorded at Brno.
Speaking on his prospects in the final Moto2 race of the year and of having a corner in his honour, Terol explained:
"I have great memories of Valencia. I know it perfectly and it was where I became world champion. The fans are great. It will be great that a corner bears my name for winning the title last year.
"I'm going to keep working hard to try and end the year with a good result. Not just for me, but also for the team and the sponsors, who have helped me a lot this year.
"I'm going to give everything from the first practice; I have a lot of confidence and I hope to have the best race of the year."
Terol remains with the Mapfre Aspar team for 2013 after signing a two year extension to his contract in September.
