Bradley Smith signs Tech 3 Moto2 deal

Bradley Smith has signed a deal to ride for the Tech 3 Moto2 squad in Estoril today, as was first reported by MCN last week.

The 19-year-old will partner French rider and 2008 125GP world champion Mike di Meglio after Catalunya Moto2 winner Yuki Takahashi and Raffaele de Rosa both moved on.

Smith, who finished third in today’s Estoril 125GP, will test the Tech 3 Racing machine for the first time in Valencia on Monday, November 8, immediately after the final round of the 2010 campaign.

Smith, who finished runner-up in last year’s 125GP series with two wins in Jerez and Mugello, said: “I’m really excited and so pleased everything has been sorted out for next season.

“It’s the next step in my career and it could not be with a better and more experienced team. I get the chance to ride the Tech 3 Moto2 bike after the Valencia Grand Prix on Monday and I can’t wait.

“Of course I’m nervous about the next step but the Tech 3 Team have such experience and success at World Championship level I know they will really help in the transition from 125 to Moto2.

“It’s a big step but I’m ready and I’m glad it’s all sorted. It’s been stressful but I always thought it would happen with Herve Poncharal and Tech 3. I’m too big for a 125 and so the time was right for the move and I will be starting from step one once again.

“First I will focus on the testing in Valencia, which I’m really excited about, and then starting a new season in a new class. It will be a massive challenge and I look forward to carrying on where I’ve left off.

“Moto2 is going to be a new experience and I certainly will have to learn to push to my limit in qualifying because it’s absolutely vital to be near the front.

“I’ll have to get used to a bit of rough and tumble but scrapping is something I’ve learnt to do in the 125 class.”

Smith is assured of finishing fourth in this year’s 125 series behind dominant Spanish trio Marc Marquez, Julian Simon and Nicolas Terol.