Bradley Smith will remain with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 for the 2015 MotoGP season after signing a one-year extension with the team. The Briton has been a part of the French outfit since joining their Moto2 squad in 2011 and today’s announcement will see them enter a fifth year together.
Speculation had been rife about his place on the grid next year after a string of disappointing races with the likes of Jonas Folger and Alex Rins linked with the seat but Smith has thanked Tech 3 for keeping faith with him for another season.
“It’s difficult to explain exactly how I feel right now but I am just overly thankful to Yamaha and Herve as well as the whole Monster Yamaha Tech3 team for believing in me and enabling me to continue riding here for another year. I really do love working with this team plus the Yamaha YZR-M1 and it’s crazy to think that this well be our fifth year together although it still feels like the second! There’s been a lot of emotion in resigning so I’m really happy with the end result and that everything is finally sorted. Also, it’s positive mentally to have next year clear whilst going into the second half of this season.”
The 23 year old currently lies ninth in the MotoGP world championship with a best finish of fifth and he hopes a settled future will enable him to show his best on track.
“For me personally, it’s now time to start achieving and performing at my full potential, which I don’t believe we have seen yet. I know that with this team they can support me to get where I am capable of being and beyond plus furthermore, get the results that I need not only for myself, but for the sponsors and everyone involved in this elite operation. In addition, riding with Pol is great fun as it creates a strong atmosphere in the team and together we are very competitive which aids us in pushing as well as motivating each other in every session. For Pol and I to finish 5th and 6th is back where Monster Yamaha Tech3 deserves to be and everyone can expect more of the same in the next 18 months. I am very happy and look forward to the rest of the season as well being very excited for 2015.”
Team Manager Hervé Poncharal has paid tribute to Smith’s desire and commitment through a tough season and expects his partnership with Pol Espargaro to go from strength to strength.
“I am very pleased to announce that Bradley Smith will remain with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team for one more year. We know each other well plus he is part of the family so this will be the fifth year of us working together and he will be the second longest serving Tech3 rider behind Olivier Jacque. This year has not been easy for him so far due to the high expectations after the winter test and the first race in Qatar. But he never gave up, so together with Yamaha and Tech3 we believe he is the best choice of rider for 2015. I believe that him and Pol are getting on really well together and will push each other the strong results. I am very happy to welcome Bradley back for one more year and I hope this agreement will not only help him to finish the second half of the year in a more relaxed state of mind, but also make things exciting for the MotoGP fans watching him.”
