Smith ready to fight down under
Posted on Oct 15, 2014 by Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Monster Yamaha Tech3 team rider Bradley Smith heads straight to Phillip Island for the second consecutive flyaway race at the Tissot Australian Grand Prix this weekend. Having challenged the stop and go Twin Ring Motegi circuit on Sunday, he is now looking forward to round 16 of the MotoGP World Championship fully prepared to fight for another top 6 battle.
The Phillip Island circuit is located 140 kilometres from Melbourne and has a deep and thoroughly rich history in motorsport. The highly regarded 4448 metre track was constructed in 1956 and became a permanent fixture in the MotoGP calendar from 1997 onwards. It’s meandering and high speed nature consists of seven left corners and five right, with a longest straight of 900 metres. The spectacular track is a firm favourite for both riders and fans, which continually guarantees highly entertaining race action.
British star Bradley, intends to undertake another hard fought plus successful battle in Australia and up his level from Motegi to confidently contest in the top six in the 27 lap sprint on Sunday.
Bradley Smith: – Championship: 10th – Points: 92
"There’s not much rest for us as we are now going to Phillip Island for the Australian Grand Prix. I am feeling optimistic for this upcoming race as I really enjoyed riding there last year aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1. However, we have to stay grounded and be a bit cautious of our hopes and expectations because the factory teams were testing there at the beginning of the year, so they will have the upper hand and more data than the rest of us. In general, the track suits the nature of the Yamaha, it’s fast and flowing with not so many hard braking points, therefore, I am sure we can have a strong run here. We have made some good steps forward recently with the bike as well as my riding style so it will be interesting to see the comparison to last year and the level of progression we have made. In addition, I am very happy to be racing three consecutive weekends as I won’t be at home just waiting for the next race to come. It means we, as riders, don’t go stale and remain sharp plus are totally ready for the action."
Hervé Poncharal - Team Manager:
"This week we return to the superb Phillip Island circuit for the second of the three flyaway races which will always hold a special place in our hearts. In 2000, Olivier Jacque won the 250cc title for Tech3 in what was a truly memorable event for us all. We have high hopes for this race and it will be great to get to a fluid and fast flowing high speed track again. Bradley did a convincing job by trying his best in Motegi, we have a good feeling for him as he enjoyed the track last year. This, twinned with the characteristics of the Yamaha suiting the circuit, makes us believe that he will be close to the top five with his team mate and challenging for the position of the leading satellite bike. It is a circuit which always ensures some fantastic racing and it is right next to the ocean making it a special one, so we can’t wait to start and up the ante this weekend in Australia."