MotoGP: Smith excited to be back in action

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Bradley Smith says he’s glad to finally be over the worst of his knee injury – and is thrilled to be making his MotoGP comeback this weekend in Motegi after missing three rounds of the championship.

Sitting out Silverstone, Misano and Aragon after badly damaging his knee in a crash during the Oschersleben 8 Hour race in August and subsequently requiring surgery to repair the damage, he’s looking to ease his way back into the series this weekend.

“I am excited about jumping back on my YZR-M1 and even though I know it will be a challenging race, I am determined and I will do my very best. It will be the first time that I can ride a MotoGP bike after seven weeks and even though I am almost fit, it will take me a bit of time to fully adjust to being back on the Yamaha. This will be the initial goal of the weekend, but I am confident that I can quickly get up to speed again.

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“However, I know this weekend will be physically demanding due to the stop and go nature of the circuit, plus, there are a lot of hard braking corners but I am certain that we can start the flyaway races positively before we head to Phillip Island.”

However, there is one plus for the Oxford rider this weekend – the scene of his comeback in a country he has fond memories of.

“Japan is a special place, with it being the home of Yamaha and also the country where I won the Suzuka 8 Hours event last year. Plus, the fans are fantastic and really supportive which will motivate me even further.”

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