Bradley Smith has just signed a contract to join the MotoGP, but he won't be moving up to the big leagues next year. The new contract will keep Smith in the Moto2 class for one more year before the Tech 3 team brings him up to the MotoGP.
Smith's new contract will put him in the Moto2 class for one more year before heading to the MotoGP for at least two seasons with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team.
"I am thrilled to have signed a three-year deal with the Tech 3 Racing Team and I am looking forward to continuing the excellent relationship we've developed in 2011," said Smith, who has scored three podiums so far in the Moto2 class. "There was never any doubt in my mind that Tech 3 would be the best option to develop my career. It has been flattering to have attracted interest from so many top teams in Moto2, but the opportunity to move to MotoGP in 2013 was simply too good for me to turn down.
"To think I'll be riding a Yamaha 1000cc MotoGP bike just over a year from now is hard to believe. I've worked so hard for many years to earn the chance to be given an opportunity like this, and now that it has come I intend to grab it with both hands."
Herve Poncharal, manager of the Tech 3 team, said:
"It gives me enormous pleasure to confirm that Tech 3 has signed a three-year agreement with Bradley Smith. Without doubt, we have managed to secure the services of one of the brightest young talents in the world and I am thrilled that Bradley has put his trust in Tech 3 to help him accomplish his dream of racing in MotoGP."
