The British Grand Prix saw the first lull in what has been a near perfect campaign so far for Nicolas Terol. Four wins and a second place had left many people thinking that this year's 125cc World Championship was as good as over, but the Spaniard trailed home in eighth place in horrendous conditions at Silverstone.
Fortunately for Terol, his nearest challenger Sandro Cortese couldn't capitalise and could only manage seventh, and it was left to fellow German Jonas Folger to claim his first Grand Prix win and move to within 35 points of the championship lead. The Red Bull Ajo Motorsport squad guided Marc Marquez to victory at Assen last year on his way to the title and Folger will be hoping they can power him to similar success this time around.
Johann Zarco will surely be a contender again after coming close to victory in each of the last two races. The Frenchman crossed the line in first place in Catalunya before receiving a penalty for an illegal overtaking move and chased Folger all the way in Britain before settling for second.
Cortese's poor performance at Silverstone dropped below Zarco into fourth in the championship, but the 21-year-old has happy memories of the Dutch circuit after taking his first ever pole position here in 2009. Efren Vazquez set the fastest lap on his first appearance here on a 125cc bike and will be looking to continue his consistent start to the year.
The breakthrough star of 2011 has been Maverick Vinales who stormed to his first ever pole position two weeks ago. The race ended in disappointment though after the 16-year-old crashed while chasing down the leaders. His speed is undeniable though and he will surely be at the sharp end on Saturday.
Blusens by Paris Hilton teammate Sergio Gadea has had no answer so far for his younger teammate and will be determined to strike back this weekend. Meanwhile, Hector Faubel got the better of his Bankia Aspar team leader for the first time on his way to a timely podium. He will be intent on more of the same here.
Of the British quartet taking part this weekend, three of them are coming in on the back of points scoring rides on home ground. Danny Kent will have the top ten in his sights once again while Danny Webb will be after his first points in dry conditions for Mahindra. Whether this weekend's action will avoid the rain remains to be seen.
Taylor Mackenzie also scored at Silverstone and like fellow rookie Harry Stafford, will want another solid result on Saturday.
Home interest usually centres on Ongetta–Abbink–Metaal rider Jasper Iwema, but the local spectators will have four more to cheer for this weekend. Bryan Schouten (Dutch Racing Team), Ernst Dubbink (RV Racing Team), Jerry van de Bunt (Jerrys Racing Team) and Thomas van Leeuwen (Racing Team Van Leeuwen) will all compete as wildcards.
