Endurance: Smith getting ‘itchy feet’ over Suzuka absence

Monster Tech 3 Yamaha racer and reigning Suzuka 8 Hour champion Bradley Smith has admitted that he’s now developed ‘itchy feet’ at the prospect of missing this year’s prestigious endurance race, which kicks off today.

Racing alongside MotoGP teammate Pol Espargaró and Yamaha legend Kats Nakasuga in the event last year, he’s instead been replaced by fellow Brit Alex Lowes for this year’s race.

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However, speaking last week at the German round of MotoGP, Smith admitted that despite the disruption it brought to his season last year, he kind of wishes now that he was heading along!

“I got itchy feet to go back a few weeks ago, but my gut instinct back in January was that I didn’t want to do it again. Now though, having saw the guys head out there and speak about the test, I’ve remembered the good fun we had last year!

2016 would likely have been his last opportunity for the foreseeable future to ride at the event, too. With a switch to KTM for 2017 – and with no superbike program for the Austrian manufacturer – it’s unlikely that Smith or Espargaró, who will join him again next year, will be back.

 

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