Dutch MotoGP: Bradley Smith to fly to Spain after Assen crash

British teenager Bradley Smith will fly to Barcelona tomorrow to begin his bid to be fit for the German 125 GP at the Sachsenring on July 15.

The 16-year-old suffered broken bones in his left foot and hand after an incident in this morning’s opening free 125 practice at the Assen circuit, and doctors have declared him unfit to participate in Saturday’s 22-lap race.

He has spent the majority of the afternoon resting in the Clinica Mobile to recover from the effects of strong painkillers administered after Italian Andrea Iannone struck him.

Smith was on an out lap and trying to steer clear of faster riders approaching when he was struck on his left side by Iannone.

Smith was lucky to avoid more serious injuries as Iannone managed to see him at the last-minute and swerve, but the full force of the impact was on Smith’s left leg.

“I know I am quite lucky because it could have been much more serious. I just glanced over my shoulder to see who was coming and bang he hit me. Other riders had passed me with no problems, “said Smith. “I thought I had broken my leg but its still bad enough because I can’t race. Hopefully I’ll be fit for Germany but we’ll know more when I’ve had the checks in Barcelona.

As well as the broken bones, Smith has suffered severe swelling on his left knee and lost some skin on his shin.