Tech3 riders all set for opening battle under the lights in Qatar

Posted on Mar 16, 2016 by Monster Yamaha Tech 3

Monster Yamaha Tech3 look towards the highly anticipated season opener at Qatar fully confident as they intend to kick off their 2016 campaigns with two solid results. The FP1 fight begins at 19:55 local time on Thursday, with both Tech3 riders determined to battle to strong finishes in Sunday’s race at the first of the 18 rounds.

Bradley Smith will aim to hit the ground running as he aims to follow up his positive efforts in the pre season with a strong finish. 

Bradley Smith:
"The winter months have passed, so now it’s finally time to switch on to race mode and get ready for the first GP of 2016, which I am very excited about. We’ve had a really constructive off-season, which kicked off in Malaysia and despite the tricky weather there, as well as later again at Phillip Island, I feel we completed a lot of valuable work. This is just what we needed before the start of what will be a very competitive year. I intend to continue from where I left off last season, but I am under no illusions that it will be any less competitive than last year. Still, we have taken every necessary step to be prepared and I’m feeling optimistic about my chances. This GP is always unusual due to it being at night and also over four days, but I am confident of starting strongly in FP1 and then go from there. It will great to be back racing again and I can’t wait to get going.”

Hervé Poncharal - Team Manager:
“The long wait is finally over, and in just a few days, the new season will begin. This year, there will surely be another amazing 18 rounds of racing. With regards to Bradley and Pol, they both put the hours in during the winter tests and walked away having made some really big steps forward. The guys are prepared and we are excited to see what they can do this year and we are behind them all the way. Bradley will be intending to continue his impressive record from 2015. For sure, this season will be more competitive, but I think Brad can do it and his brilliant form from last year shows that he means business. Both riders will aim to get the ball rolling and start the GP weekend very strongly, which should set them up nicely for the race under the floodlights. We are all as excited as the fans, and ready to get the show on the road.”