Strong start at FP1 in Qatar for Tech3’s Smith

Posted on Mar 20, 2014 by Monster Yamaha Tech 3

Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider Bradley Smith enjoyed a successful and competitive start in the first practice session of the 2014 MotoGP World Championship at the Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar.

Smith with his 2014 specification Yamaha YZR-M1’s finished inside the top 5 and confidently set fast laps times on the opening day. The red flag was deployed mid-way through the session which delayed the free practice briefly; otherwise the track conditions were dry although lacking traction due to a dirty surface.

Bradley Smith produced a superb performance to outline his firm intentions for the 2014 season. The British rider produced a best lap time of 1:55:816, and completed the first practice of 2014 in 3rd place and just over half a second from the leading time. Having spent the winter test period experimenting with varying aspects of his Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike, Smith opened his season very positively, with his free practice time today half a second quicker than his qualifying time from last year.

Bradley Smith - 3rd - 1:55:816:
“Today was a really good start for us. The track conditions were different to when we tested here, probably due to a sandstorm which happened recently. However, the grip improved during the session and I was able to do 1:55 lap times again. As I could keep this rhythm quite easily I decided that it wasn’t worth pushing to the absolute limit, as it was still a bit too risky with the conditions, so I will wait until tomorrow as the grip will improve for sure. Of course, I am happy with 3rd and we are close to Bautista who is on the same tyres. Anyway I’m confident that we will get closer to the top as the track gets better, but the 3 days of testing has definitely helped us. Our aim is to stay in front of the factory bikes, for as long as possible”.