Smith primed for MotorLand Aragon battle
Posted on Sep 22, 2015 by Monster Yamaha Tech 3
The Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team pairing of Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro are prepared and ready to fight to two strong results at the 14th round of the 2015 MotoGP season at the impressive MotorLand Aragon circuit. With both riders experiencing contrasting fortunes at the San Marino GP, they will now be seeking to move forward and seal a set of positive finishes ahead of the triple fly away races. The circuit is a firm favourite for most of the riders due to its nature, which pushes them to their limits, whilst also ensuring a highly entertaining show for the lively Spanish crowd as well. Smith and Espargaro will navigate themselves around the high-speed 5.1 kilometre Aragon track, which consists of a straight of 968 metres as well as 10 left corners and 7 right.
Bradley Smith will be looking to follow up his brilliantly executed run to 2nd in the San Marino Grand Prix with another strong result at Aragon as he intends to continue his notable form in 2015 plus add valuable points to his standing of 5th in the World Championship. At Misano, the young Briton rocketed to the rostrum after slipping back to 21st due to the tricky conditions, but he bravely persevered and followed his ambitious strategy to score his best ever finish in the premier class. As a result, the 24 year old rider will be gunning for a top six this weekend.
Bradley Smith: – Championship: 5th – Points: 135
“Firstly, it goes without saying that I can't wait to get back on the Yamaha after the great result that we had last weekend! It was a complicated race there but I clenched my teeth, took the gamble and it paid off. To score 2nd really is a highlight of this season and it is a testament to the hard work that the team and I have put in. Therefore, at this weekend we will try again and of course the podium finish really motivates me for further success. Fortunately, it looks as though the Aragon race should be dry, but never say never. Last year I finished the race in 5th which was positive, yet this season, I feel I am in a much better place and my confidence has increased. However, the Championship is a lot more competitive, so I'll be pushing to repeat last season's result this time. We will see what happens in the race on Sunday, but I am ready to fight and score another solid result, plus with Yamaha having tested there this summer, my confidence is even higher. ”
Hervé Poncharal - Team Manager:
"It's that time of the year where we head to Spain for the final Grand Prix before the triple fly away races and it's vital for the riders to get a good result in Aragon in order to get some momentum. In addition, we'll be hoping for a dry race, unlike last year, so that it's a bit easier on my heart! Brad had a superb run to 2nd in Misano after staying out on track on slick tyres when the rain started to fall. We thought this was a bit risky, but evidently his calculations were perfect and he stormed from 21st to 2nd! He really deserved this result and for sure, it will motivate him even more for the rest of the year. On the other hand, we were all sorry for Pol who had a strong pace until race day. However, he will come back more determined than ever in his home country where he has had previous successes and we all know he will hit the ground running and give his all to finish in the top six."