MotoGP: Smith out to ‘carry on the positive momentum’

Bradley Smith says he needs to carry on the positive momentum he got started last time out t Mugello, if he wants to get his 2016 MotoGP campaign properly underway this weekend in Barcelona.

Finally making real progress with the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha in Italy, Smith knows what he needs to do now to build on his positive seventh place.

“As always, I am confident of hitting the ground running in Barcelona and I am certain that I can carry on the positive momentum from the last GP. The Cataluña circuit is one of the best that we visit and it has a good mix of corners and straights, which make it physical and demanding but great fun to ride.

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“Last year I finished as the leading satellite rider in 5th, the result may be a bit more difficult to achieve this year because the level of competition has risen, but I will still give it everything I’ve got to score a solid position.

“It may have taken me a bit longer than some other rides to adapt to the Michelin tyres, but we have made the step and I can now get the results that I want and need to. This weekend I will be gunning for the top independent team position and I know Pol will be strong there, so I’ll do my best to beat him at his home GP.”

Teammate Pol Espargaró is also looking forward to the weekend, as he gets the opportunity to continue a strong start to his season in front of his home fans; the Catalan rider hails from only minutes from the Montmelò circuit.

“I am very excited for this weekend because not only is it my home race, but I am looking forward to putting on a good show for my fans who mean a lot to me. The atmosphere there is always electric and their support really spurs me on, so I will do my absolute best to give them something to cheer about.

“I have spent a lot of time on this track, but it will never get boring because it really is a spectacular circuit and one that challenges every aspect of our riding. The straight is long so the Ducati’s will have a slight advantage, yet, the Yamaha enjoys the corners and is always strong there, so it will be close plus I think we can be at the front of the independent battle on Sunday afternoon.”