Bradley Smith relishing Tech 3 challenge

Bradley Smith reckons he’s loving the challenge of trying to make the Tech 3 Racing Moto2 project a consistent top six contender in 2011.

The Oxfordshire rider has been one of the revelations of the season in Grand Prix racing so far having finished ninth on his Moto2 debut in Qatar last month.

The 20-year-old then produced an inspired ride in the recent Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez to finish fourth in treacherous conditions at the end of a race he led briefly.

Smith, who won three 125GP races before moving to the French-based Tech 3 squad in Moto2, says he’s relishing leading development of the Mistral 610 machine.

Tech 3 produces chassis for only three bikes on the grid and Smith is fighting against a host of riders on Suter, Moriwaki, Kalex and FTR frames, which make up the majority of the Moto2 grid.

But he said being part of a smaller project meant he could tailor changes more to his specific requests with Tech 3 constantly updating the bike based on Smith’s feedback and information.

Smith, who has easily outshone team-mate and former 125GP world champion Mike di Meglio in the opening two races, told MCN: “We can play with things during the season and that is obviously a big thing with Tech 3 building their own chassis. This is our chance to develop a bike.

“That’s a bit daunting but I’ve always believed that I’m a rider that can give good feedback and I know what I like and want. Being at Tech 3 means I ask for something one week and it’s on the bike at the next race and that’s great support for me.

“The team never stop working to improve the bike so I know we are always trying new things.”