Smith focused on another strong result

With four races remaining in 2015 Bradley Smith is keen to hold onto his place in the top five of the MotoGP world championship. The Tech3 rider heads to Japan excited at the prospect of returning to country after winning the Suzuka 8 Hours earlier this year.

“I am really looking forward to throwing my leg over the YZR-M1 at the Japanese GP, which is certainly a special one for me this year,” said Smith. “Last time I raced in Japan, I was part of the Suzuka 8 Hours conquering team with Pol and Katsuyuki so I have some great memories which will give me extra motivation for this weekend. Moreover, it’s Yamaha’s home GP in their 60th anniversary year so I’ll do my very best to perform as strongly as possible in order to give everybody a result to be happy about!”

Motegi features plenty of heavy braking and start-stop sections of track and Smith outlined the challenge of the circuit set in the middle of the Japanese mountains.

“The circuit itself is certainly one of the more challenging tracks that we go to. The stop and go nature means there is a lot of aggressive braking and we must pay special attention to the tyres as well at this race. Yet, I have always enjoyed the track and so I aim get a strong setup quickly and then get the show on the road. I need to finish inside the top six in order to keep my championship ambitions alive, but I am ready to fight right until the chequered flag.”