Smith eyes up strong finish in Cataluña
Posted on Jun 01, 2016 by Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Monster Yamaha Tech3 team riders Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro keenly await the highly anticipated round seven fight at the Circuito de Cataluña this weekend, with both intending to seal top tier results. The Monster Energy sponsored event will take place at the state of the art track with a full house expected to watch the 25-lap sprint on Sunday.
Bradley Smith intends to build on his promising result of 7th at the previous round in Mugello, with another strong performance aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 this weekend. The return to form leaves the young Briton confident of following up last year’s result of 5th, with a determined display this weekend.
Bradley Smith: – Championship: 12th – Points: 29
"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. 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."
Hervé Poncharal - Team Manager:
“After a typically intense Mugello round, it’s time to gear up for the Gran Premio de Cataluña which will certainly be another exciting and entertaining weekend. Our title backers Monster Energy sponsor the event and it is Dorna’s home GP, so this makes it even more special and important. Pol is ready to go and put on a good show for his home fans. He was born literally around the corner from the track and there isn’t a closer home GP than this. He has raced there for years and understands the circuit well, so with his home fans cheering him on we hope for him to finish in the top independent rider position. As for Bradley, he returned to the form that we know he can produce in Mugello and topped the satellite battle in both qualifying and the main event on Sunday. This is what we wanted to see and now we are sure that he can continue his momentum and fight with his teammate right behind the factory bikes. We also have a test on Monday where hopefully the guys can find some more details that will help them. Anyway, we are looking forward to the race and hearing the crowd roar on Sunday.”