Bradley Smith to sacrifice 2010 Moto2 ambitions?

Bradley Smith could be willing to sacrifice his Moto2 aspirations to ensure he remains with the influential Aspar squad in 2010.

The Oxfordshire rider, who has won two races in a brilliant breakthrough 2009 125GP campaign, has yet to secure a ride in the new 600cc Moto2 class despite lengthy talks with Aspar team manager Gino Borsoi and other teams including Tech 3.

The Aspar team is expected to offer its two Moto2 places to 125GP world championship leader Julian Simon and Frenchman Mike di Meglio.

That has left Smith pondering an offer to stay with Aspar in the 125 class next year unless investment can be found to secure him a Moto2 slot.

Aspar will use a chassis built by Aprilia and Smith, who has five podium finishes in ’09, said: “I have a fantastic relationship with the Aspar team and they have been brilliant in helping my career progress to a level where I’m winning world championship races.

“I owe them a lot and I am reluctant to leave such a great team. I’d love to move to Moto2 next season and would love it to be with Aspar.

“But if staying with Aspar means I have to stay in 125s then I’d be willing to do that.

“I’m sure sponsorship would help me get a Moto2 ride with Aspar but it is so difficult outside of the Spanish and Italian market.”