AXO rider Julian Simon has opened his podium account for 2011 yesterday at Estoril, as he took the second step of the podium of the GP of Portugal.

Julian Simon has always gone well at Estoril, although before this year he had never really had a result to match his ability at the track. The Spanish rider was a clear candidate for the podium, and lined up third on the grid. He dropped down two places on the opening lap, but manager a complete fightback until reaching race leader Bradl on lap 21. The Spaniard eyed up a last lap move, but was blocked off well by his German rival. Last year's Moto2 runner-up finally opened his 2011 podium account, with a great second place finish.

Julian Simon: “Finally we have taken a step forward, and we got up amongst the frontrunners. We can't relax, because at Le Mans we will have to carry on working in order to take the win. Stefan (Bradl) surprised me, above all on the last lap, because he closed every door. I wanted to pass him on the chicane, but he kept a good line to block my move. I am happy with second place, and with my performance. On the opening laps I was sliding around, in particular on the first and last corners. We had to be very careful, and I think that I had a very intelligent race. I've broken my hoodoo here, because I have always been fast here but never had a good race finish. The start to the season has been pretty uninspiring, so this podium and my improved feeling on the bike gives me a big boost!”.

it was a frustrating afternoon for team-mate Bradley Smith, who saw his superb bid for another top six finish thwarted by a rear tyre puncture in the early stages of the 26-lap race.

The 20-year-old needed only four laps to break into the top ten from 15th on the grid. But a rear tyre stability issue began to worsen shortly before the halfway stage. Slipping down the rankings, he opted to pit where his Tech 3 Racing Team discovered he'd suffered the misfortune of a rear tyre puncture.

Smith opted to put in a new rear tyre to gain more information and data ahead of the Tech 3 Racing Team's home race in Le Mans on May 15. He eventually finished in 29th position.