Smith disappointed in Valencia

The Tech 3 Racing Team ended the 2011 Moto2 World Championship campaign in Valencia today with contrasting fortunes for Mike di Meglio and Bradley Smith.

The 27-lap race started with light rain falling over the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, though the race was declared dry and di Meglio and Smith started on slick tyres.

The tricky conditions provided a serious test of skill and concentration as di Meglio and Smith quickly tried to gauge grip levels in the early phase of the race.

Frenchman di Meglio adopted a cautious approach in the opening 10 laps, the former 125cc World Champion gradually building up his speed and confidence as he got engaged in a typically frenetic battle that has become a feature of the ultra-competitive Moto2 category.

He eventually finished in seventh position to claim his third top 10 of the campaign, and he was less than a second away from the top five.

The season ending GP Generali de la Comunitat Valenciana finished in disappointing fashion for British rider Smith. He immediately thrust himself into contention for the podium with a lightning start that moved him from 12th on the grid into fifth at the end of the first lap.

Pushing hard to try and find a way by Finnish rider Mika Kallio, he crashed out at the second corner on lap two. He landed hard on the left collarbone he broke 17 days ago after a practice crash in Sepang, but fortunately suffered no additional damage and he remounted to finish 23rd.

Bradley Smith 23rd – 121-points:

"I am really disappointed with the crash because I had a very good first lap. I was aggressive and I had a very good feeling with the bike, even though the conditions were far from ideal. I passed Kallio going into the first corner and was looking to push on when he was quite aggressive at Turn 2. I had a big slide from the front and rear tyres and it was impossible to save it. Today pretty much summed up my luck in the final part of the season and I seem to have been followed by bad luck for a few weeks now. It is a shame that we couldn't finish the season with some stronger results but we have proved capable of fighting for the top five on a regular basis. Luckily it was quite a slow crash at that part of the track and my shoulder didn't suffer any damage. I'll be testing the new 2012 Mistral 610 machine tomorrow and I'm looking forward to that. We're confident we have made big improvements with the new bike that will help me fight a t the front consistently next season.”

Hervé Poncharal – Team Manager:

"That was a very hard race for everybody with the conditions being very difficult. At times it was like riding on ice because this track is quite slippery anyway, and the rain made it even harder to understand grip levels. Unfortunately Bradley was ruled out very early when he crashed and that is not how we wanted to end the season. It is disappointing because he immediately found a good pace in the difficult conditions and we probably would have been in the battle for the podium. A few mistakes recently have cost us a lot of points but this has been a learning year for Bradley and there are still a lot of positives to take from it, including some fantastic performances like in Silverstone. Next year he will be stronger and more experienced so we can look forward to 2012 with a lot of optimism. Mike also did a very good job today and I am happy he was able to show his fighting spirit in his last race with Tech 3 Racing. It was nice to see the Mistral 610 machine fighting hard for the top five once again and in the last few races Mike has done a very good job. It is sad to see him leaving us and I would like to wish him all the best for the future. Now we have to focus on preparing for next year when we test the new Mistral 610 tomorrow. The whole Team is excited to check the potential of the new bike. I would also like to congratulate everybody associated with the Gresini Racing Team for their emotional win today. They have shown incredible dignity in dealing with the tragic loss of Marco Simoncelli, and I am sure he would be very proud of their success today.”

Pictures are available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12117702@N05/

Smith begins recovery

An isolated rain shower fell at Turn 10 and Smith, Marc Marquez, Yonny Hernandez and Jules Cluzel crashed after hitting the wet section of tarmac on full slick tyres. Smith suffered a broken left collarbone and painful blow to his chest in the accident and he underwent thorough checks in the Pusat Perubatan UKM Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur before being discharged at 8pm last n ight.

After a comfortable night's rest, Smith visited Clinica Mobile staff earlier yesterday to consult with specialists on the best way to speed up the recovery of his damaged left shoulder in order for him to participate in the final race in Valencia.

Bradley Smith:

“It is a big pity that I can't race tomorrow because I am convinced I would have been very competitive this weekend. But at the same time I'm quite lucky because the crash yesterday could have been worse. Right now I feel a bit beaten up, but already I feel a lot better than yesterday. When I got to Turn 10 I saw yellow flags waving but I thought it was because of the crashes before me. I slowed down and the next thing I've seen the wet track and almost immediately I lost control of the bike. The initial crash was bad enough but then I hit Marquez's bike quite hard and I th ink this is how I broke my left collarbone and also took a big hit on my chest. I didn't really remember anything, so I had to watch a video replay to understand what happened. I've also got a bruised left lung and that is causing me quite a lot of discomfort. I would have flown home last night if possible but I can't fly for 48 hours, so I'll stick to my initial plan and head back to the UK tomorrow night after the race. When I get home I'll have more checks to make sure the recovery is going well but it is too early to decide if I can race in Valencia. The shoulder should be fine but we need to wait and see. Finally I'd like to thank all the medical staff at the Clinica Mobile and the Sepang International Circuit because they did a great job.”

Tech 3 Racing Team rider Bradley Smith will take no further part in the Malaysian Moto2 Grand Prix weekend after a heavy fall in this morning's opening practice session at the Sepang circuit.

The British rider was one of four riders to crash after an isolated but heavy rain shower fell at Turn 10. Unfortunately for Smith, the appropriate flags warning of a completely wet track in that section were not being waved at the time, which resulted in a 15,000 Euro fine for Malaysian Grand Prix organisers.

After an initial examination in the circuit's first class medical facility, Smith was transferred to the Pusat Perubatan UKM Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur for further checks on left shoul der and chest injuries.

Doctors have ruled out internal injuries but the 20-year-old has suffered a small crack in his left collarbone.

Smith was discharged from the Pusat Perubatan UKM Medical Centre earlier this evening and he will be back at the Sepang circuit tomorrow for consultations with Clinica Mobile staff on the recovery of his damaged left collarbone.

Further information will be made available at the earliest opportunity.




Share in Facebook

Podium eludes Tech 3 Racing in Phillip Island

Mike di Meglio and Bradley Smith both brilliantly fought for the podium in today's Australian Moto2 Grand Prix before they eventually finished ninth and 18th respectively in a race run in gloriously sunny but treacherously windy conditions.

Starting from the front row for the first time in his Moto2 career, di Meglio made a fantastic start in front of 43,800 windswept fans at the spectacular Phillip Island circuit.

The Frenchman, who won the 2008 125cc World Championship in Australia, starred in an enthralling early battle for the podium and he showed the high potential of the Mistral 610 machine by holding a terrific third place until lap eight.

His ros trum hopes though were ended just two laps later when he superbly saved a big front-end slide at Turn 4. The slide dropped di Meglio back to ninth position and that's where he finished after fighting hard in a pulsating five-rider battle for fifth.

Smith was also mounting a strong challenge for the podium in the early stages of the 25-lap race and a brilliant start from seventh on the grid rocketed him into third on the second lap.

The 20-year-old was briefly bumped back down to sixth but two fine passes on lap seven moved him back into fourth when his top three attack ended a lap later. Pushing hard to keep pressure on di Meglio in third he ran off track and dropped back to 28th.

He displayed his tenacity and determination though once again to launch an impressive fightback and he eventually finished 18th.

Bradley Smith: 18th 121-points:

"Obviously today was pretty disappointing and not what I hoped for. I did exactly the same as I did every other lap going into the corner, but I think the bike was unsettled a little bit by the curbs and just went sideways. I had to go straight and there was nothing that I could do. It is one of those moments that when they happen you just have to react as quickly as possible to keep control of the bike. I was fourth at the time and feeling really confident of getting a podium, so to be not even in the points is difficult to accept. At the moment we don't seem to be able to catch a break and we've had some bad luck. But that's racing and once again we have shown the potential of the bike and I hope to be battling for the podium in Sepang in a few days."

Hervé Poncharal - Team Manager:

“Not since the beginning of the season have we seen both of our Mistral 610 bikes fighting at the front like here today. That is a very satisfying feeling and credit to everybody that has worked so hard on this project. Mike and Bradley both had a really solid start and were pushing very hard in the first few laps. We knew it was not going to be easy, but having two bikes in front meant we were hoping for at least one top five. Unfortunately Bradley lost the rear at Siberia and he had to run off track and he finished outside of the points. This is a big disappointment for him as it would have been the possibility to go back to fifth in the World Championship. Mike was very fast and it was by far the best race of the year for him. Coming after his fantastic qualifying he was unlucky not to stay in the fight for the podium. Unfortunately he had small issue with the grip from the front ty re that he'd never experienced all weekend, so we have to check the reason why. There's no doubt he got a big boost though with how fast he was all weekend and I hope he will be back in Moto2 next year because he proved today he can fight with the best in this very competitive class.”

Pictures are available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12117702@N05/

Top 10 for battling Smith in Japan

Tech 3 Racing Team rider Bradley Smith battled hard to another impressive top 10 Moto2 result at a cool and cloudy Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Japan this afternoon.

Smith got a decent start from the second row of the grid and held fourth place on the opening lap, but a lack of rear grip in the coolest temperatures experienced all weekend meant the 20-year-old was unable to launch an attack to try and claim a fourth podium finish of the campaign.

The British rider once again showed his grit and determination to come out on top of a titanic tussle for seventh place involving Dominique Aegerter, Esteve Rabat and Mika Kallio. Despite not having the rear grip he anticipated, Smith held off the trio wi th some outstanding riding on worn tyres to collect his ninth top 10 finish of the 2011 World Championship.

The 23-lap race proved to be a difficult experience for team-mate Mike di Meglio. He had just forced his way into the top 20 when he tangled with Santiago Hernandez on lap seven. The incident relegated him to 32nd but he continued to battle hard and at the chequered flag he had recovered to 27th.

Bradley Smith 7th – 121 points:

“We can't be satisfied to start the race fourth and finish back in seventh, but I did the best job I could with the package I had today. I started the race full of confidence that I could compete for the podium based on how competitive my times were in practice and qualifying. But right from the start it was obvious I didn't have the same grip I had all weekend and it made it very diff icult. I'm not really sure why we didn't have the same grip, so we need to analyse deeper and try and find an explanation. In the early laps I couldn't keep my pace and lost a few places, so I suppose I should be satisfied that I kept my head down and battled hard right to the end to take seventh. My pace was consistent over the final 10 laps, so that is a positive, but I am pretty disappointed to finish so far back. We'll put this result behind us and try and fight again for the top six in Australia, which is a track I can't wait to ride the Mistral 610 at."

Herve Poncharal – Team Manager:

“We went into the race with high expectations that Bradley could battle for the podium because he had been very fast and consistent all weekend. He made a good start but he immediately started to lose some places, so we knew he didn't have the same feeling or confidence like he had in practice and qualifying because normally this never happens to him. The bike was set-up the same for the race as qualifying, but it is clear that Bradley has some rear grip issues and we need to investigate further what happened. It is a shame for him and the Tech 3 Racing Team because we could have definitely been in the hunt for a podium today. Bradley still did a great job and never gave up and he showed his fighting spirit to take seventh. He i s still in the fight for the third in the Championship and we hope he can be battling at the front again in Phillip Island. Mike had another tough race and he was a bit unlucky to get caught up in an incident with another rider. We hope he can be competing for the points again in Phillip Island.”

Smith fights for front row at Twin Ring Motegi

Bradley Smith is confident he can fight for a fourth Moto2 podium finish of the 2011 campaign in Japan tomorrow after he excelled once again in another intense qualifying session at the Twin Ring Motegi.

The Tech 3 Racing Team rider will start from the second row of the grid for the sixth time in a fantastic rookie Moto2 campaign after a best lap of 1.52.645 left him just 0.222s away from claiming a stunning front row in fourth position.

Smith ended practice with the fourth best time and he was always in contention for the front row, as he looks to give himself the best chance of a top race result to keep his hopes of claiming third place in the World Championship alive as the season reaches an exciting climax.

The British rider is 20-points behind Andrea Iannone, who currently occupies third in the rankings, and Smith is looking to reduce the deficit by challenging for his first rostrum finish since the Mugello round in Italy in tomorrow's 23-lap race.

Team-mate Mike di Meglio's qualifying session didn't run quite as smoothly and he will start from 25th position on the grid. The French rider dedicated most of his time to improving rear traction with his Mistral 610 machine and he finished with a best time of 1.53.779.

Bradley Smith 4th 1.52.645 – 18 laps:

"It has been a very positive weekend so far in Motegi, so hopefully we can finish the job off in the race tomorrow. We made some small modifications to the bike in qualifying which should help my pace in the race and I am really happy with the work we have done. I was constantly in the top five all weekend and this has given me a lot of confidence that I can fight for the podium tomorrow. I have a good pace with a full fuel tank and that is positive as well. I just need one of my good starts again and push hard through the first five or six laps and see how the race unfolds from that point. My target is to gain more points and keep the pressure on the riders in front of me in the Championship.”

Tech 3 Racing Team signs three-year deal with Bradley Smith

Smith's new contract will see him remain with the Tech 3 Racing Team in the ultra-competitive Moto2 World Championship in 2012.

He will then move to the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 MotoGP Team for 2013 and 2014 having agreed the long-term deal with Tech 3 owner Herve Poncharal during last weekend's Motorland Aragon race.

The 20-year-old has been one of the star performers in this year's Moto2 World Championship, showcasing the high potential of the Tech 3 Racing Mistral 610 with three podium finishes, including a be st of second position in his home race at Silverstone in June.

Smith has also claimed four other top six finishes and with four rounds of the campaign left, he remains firmly in the hunt for a fantastic third position in the overall rankings.

Completing the Tech 3 Racing Moto2 line-up in 2012 will be Xavier Simeon. The Belgian rider has gained a wealth of experience riding the Tech 3 Mistral 610 machine in his rookie campaign in 2011, and he is looking forward to building on his close relationship with the French-based squad.
Simeon has scored points in three races to date, including a best result of 12th in the Mugello round. The 22-year-old will continue to be supported by RTL-Sport in Belgium.

Bradley Smith:

“I am thrilled to have signed a three-year deal with the Tech 3 Racing Team and I am looking forward to continuing the excellent relationship we've developed in 2011. I have a fantastic relationship with Herve, my crew chief Tom Jojic and all my crew, who all have an amazing passion for racing. It is that dedication and desire to succeed that convinced me to join Tech 3 in 2011, so to be staying until the end of 2014 is the perfect scenario for me. There was never any doubt in my mind that Tech 3 would be the best option to develop my career. It has been flattering to have attracted interest from so many top teams in Moto2, but the opportunity to move to MotoGP in 2013 was simply too good for me to turn down. To think I'll be riding a Yamaha 1000cc MotoGP bike just over a year from now is hard to believe. I've worked so hard for many years to earn the chance to be given an opportunity like this, and now it has come I intend to grab it with both hands. Tech 3 gave me the chance to move to MotoGP in 2012 and it was an hono ur to be even considered at this stage of my career. The decision to stay in Moto2 was one of the hardest of my life but I believe that together, we can be fighting at the front from the start of next season and pushing to challenge for the Championship.”

Herve Poncharal – Team Manager:

“It gives me enormous pleasure to confirm that Tech 3 has signed a three-year agreement with Bradley Smith. Without doubt, we have managed to secure the services of one of the brightest young talents in the world and I am thrilled that Bradley has put his trust in Tech 3 to help him accomplish his dream of racing in MotoGP. We know he had a lot of interest inside the paddock because of the way he has performed this season, so it is a big compliment to Tech 3 that he chose to commit himself to us until the end of 2014 at least. Bradley has made an immedi ate impact in Moto2 this year and we all know it is a very difficult class. The rules mean that rider talent plays a crucial role in determining the results, and Bradley has shown he has the speed, talent and commitment to match the best. He has shown the true potential of the Mistral 610 machine with some phenomenal performances this season, and we are in no doubt that in 2012 he can be a genuine title contender before he makes the step to MotoGP. One more year in Moto2 will help him gain more valuable experience, so that when he moves to our MotoGP Team in 2013, he will be immediately competitive. I am convinced that with Bradley's long-term commitment to Tech 3 Racing that we can look forward to a long and successful relationship together. I'm also pleased to have signed Xavier Simeon. He has shown a lot of promise in 2011 and I'm sure next year he can be consistently finishing in the points and I want to thank RTL-Sport in Belgium for their continued support.”



Share in Facebook

www.crash.net

Hi everyone,

I've had two great races and results in a week, far too much time in an aeroplane and a very busy time ahead. Also I've made a decision about next season.

I've decided I will stay in the Moto2 World Championship and push really hard for the title next year. I have some options to consider but hopefully will be able to reveal my plans by the time we race in the next round at Aragon in Spain.

Racing against the top guys both at Indianapolis and Misano made me realise just how much I'm learning and there is still so much more to come. At my age another year will really benefit my career and so MotoGP can wait although of course it's my ultimate aim to ride in the greatest Championship in the World.

After those last two results I moved into fifth place in the Championship and I'm still in with a good shot of third place. The race at Indianapolis certainly helped those Championship chances although it was a tough weekend.

The biggest challenge was the new surface which made tyre life a real struggle and was a real headache which made us all a little nervous.

I made a great start from fourth place and what a feeling to be leading at the first turn and throughout the first lap at Indianapolis. I eventually finished fourth and was a bit disappointed not to get on the podium and beat my old 125cc rivals Tito Rabat and Pol Espargaro. After those two crashes in Germany and the Czech Republic it was good to be in the points again.

The surface at Misano was fine but it was another tough race which made me realise just how important my fitness levels are. We flew straight back from a tough hot race in America to an equally hot race in Italy and how do those riders in the Tour De France cope having to put their bodies through that every single day.

I felt a bit like a yo-yo in the race but it felt good to be riding with six of the best Moto2 riders in the world at the front. It was like being on a bungee rope - pulling up to the top four but then dropping back. Sixth was a decent result and it great to have the second battle of the week with Scott Redding. The two of us are pushing each other along and I hope that continues until the end of the season.

There was no doubt we all felt the effects of two races in a week with a transatlantic air trip in the middle. I'll be working even harder on my fitness especially for the two races in a week in Australia and Malaysia coming just after that long trip to Japan

Round 13 of the Championship is in two weeks at Aragon in Spain where we tested before the start of the season. The bike is very different now and so the data may not be a great help but I can't wait to get there.

There are just ten points between me and Andrea Iannone in third place. Sandwiched between us is Alex De Angelis. I'm chasing that third place and I have to be consistent in the last five races. Both Andrea and Alex are very fast but they do have up and down results, which could give me a chance but I must score at every race.

There will be hardly any time at time at home before now and the end of the season in Valencia at the beginning of November. I'm to off the Valencia this weekend to compete in a Triathlon. I missed the London Triathlon this year because of racing commitments and so hence the trip.

One thing for certain the Mediterranean should be a lot warmer than the Thames or those lakes I've been training in at home during the last few weeks.

Bradley




Share in Facebook