Smith tips KTM for MotoGP success

Top British racer of 2015 Bradley Smith has tipped KTM for MotoGP success when the Austrian manufacturer joins the series in 2017.

Speaking to MCN ahead of the first test of the season next weekend, the Oxfordshire rider admitted that he wouldn’t be averse to joining the orange brand for their debut season.

“I think you need to be a realist in this world, and if I was to tell you I was going to put my name on a factory Yamaha contract everyone would assume I’ve been smoking something over the winter!

“Realistically, the manufacturers I want interest from are Suzuki and Ducati – and you also have to be open towards KTM. They have limited experience, but everything they’ve turned their hand to, they’ve been successful at.

“You have to be smart about some things, keep you ear to the ground and maybe be prepared to take a risk others aren’t prepared to. If it pays off, you look like a hero – hence my Misano podium last season!”

The end of the 2016 season sees most of the top names in the sport’s contracts coming to an end, and the addition of KTM to the mix with a competitive machine adds yet another element to what is guaranteed to be one of the most hectic ‘silly seasons’ of recent years.