Action resumes at the Brickyard for Smith

Posted on Aug 09, 2014 by Monster Yamaha Tech 3

The Monster Yamaha Tech3 riders completed the opening day of practice after the midsummer break in a positive fashion at the newly resurfaced 4170 metre Indianapolis circuit for the tenth round of the 2014 World Championship.

Despite the mixed weather conditions following rain overnight, British star Bradley Smith kicked off proceedings in a highly competitive manner by completing the opening practice session with a superb run to 2nd position aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1. His best lap time of 1’34.569 was only 0.034 from the leading bike of Factory Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi, with the recent modifications to the track increasing the overall pace to over six seconds compared to last year's lap record.

The 23 year old completed FP2 in 10th with a lap time of 1’33.621. His performance was only 0.200 from the third placed rider, with the positive aspects noted on the opening day in America, Smith remains fully confident of a successful charge in tomorrow’s qualifying session.

Bradley Smith: Position: 10th - Time: 1'33.621 - Laps: 22
"It was great to return from the summer break with such a quick pace this morning and it’s certainly what we needed. We made the right choice and started on a soft tyre, before switching to a hard compound at the end of the first session. My feeling was good on the hard, so I began a long run which I continued this afternoon, prior to changing again to a soft one at the final stages of FP2, but there was much more grip than I expected and I couldn't take full advantage of the new rubber. However, I still haven’t made a decision on tyres for the race as the grip levels will certainly change. In any case the modifications to the circuit are really good and it’s much better for us to ride on, but the only down side is that some of the passing opportunities are reduced due to the circuit being much faster. With regards to this afternoon, I am only 0.2 from the fastest Yamaha and very close to the front row. The team did a great job plus I am really happy to be back with the bike feeling as good as ever. It’s a long way until the race on Sunday, but my tactic is to continue the positive start today, be quick in qualifying and make no mistakes in the race"