At the end of the 2006 season by mutual agreement Scott left the MotoGP Academy and signed for the BLU:sens BQR Aprilia team based near Barcelona.  There were many reasons behind the decision for change, not least of which was that the structure of BQR offered a seamless transition from the CEV (Spanish National Championship) that Scott currently rides in on into the 125cc World Championships as they already field riders in that and the 250cc class.   At the 125cc and 250cc levels, contrary to what many might believe, the teams have to be paid for the ride and, even though Scott was offered a great concession deal due to his undoubted talent, money had to be raised to cover this cost.   Something that was fortunately achieved.

In March the BQR team practiced at the Montmelo (Catalan GP) circuit with their World Championship 125cc and 250cc contenders.    Many of the other top teams were there with their riders, including the 125cc and 250cc World Champions from 2006.   BQR decided that Scott should also attend the two practice days so, never having ridden the bike before and with the Aprilia reputation for being difficult to master bike, it was in at the deep end for young Scott who had only turned 14 in January.  At the commencement of the two day testing  session the team had indicated that they did not expect too much and would be happy with Scott just getting used to the bike.   The fact that he adapted to the bike within very few laps and ended up at the end of testing with lapping quicker than a number of the other World class 125 riders certainly pleased them.

Shortly after this a new rider joined the BQR team in the 125 class to ride with Scott in the CEV championship, Stefan Bradl.    The son of Helmut Bradl, one of Germany’s best ever riders and Grand Prix winner from the 80s and 90s, Stefan had in fact, following a number of problems in testing a 250 Honda and a bad crash, decided to give up racing but on return to Germany had a change of heart and was able to secure a place with BQR in the 125 CEV team but with some wild card rides in the GPs.   A rider of this stature in the team was to be a good and bad for Scott, Stefan’s experience at 17 would be something that Scott could learn from but at the same time would put more pressure on his young shoulders.   Unlike Stefan he would not be able to get the extra riding practice that would come from GP outings, as he is still under the minimum age to compete at GP level, but would still expect from himself the same performance level as his new team mate.

As a lead up to the first CEV event BQR decided that both riders should have an outing at the first round of the regional Catalan Championship in the middle of March.    This would give them both race experience on the bikes.  Despite the fact that the Championship attracts many of the same riders as the CEV Scott and Stefan easily outpaced the rest of the field with a 20 second margin over the third finisher by the end of the race.    Stefan took first place with a 0.04 (!!) second advantage over Scott, who commented after the race that he could have tapped Stefan on the shoulder as they crossed the line.

LEFT PHOTO: Scott on the rostrum following his second place at the first round of the 2007 Catalan Championship; he is on the left, Stefan, his team mate, who finished just 0.04 seconds in front, still wearing his previous team leathers, is in the middle.   CENTRE PHOTO FROM L to R:  Scott’s uncle Darrell, Enrique de Juan and Amedeu Sanchis of Factory Dreams Motorsport  look pretty happy with the result!!      RIGHT PHOTO:  The BQR team gather round to congratulate the two riders.

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