MotoGP: Smith set for Japanese return

Bradley Smith will make a return to the 2016 MotoGP season and his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 machine next month for the Japanese Grand Prix, as he completes a month of gruelling physiotherapy following a knee injury.

Requiring surgery to repair the ligaments in his right knee after it was punctured by another bike following a crash during the Oschersleben 8 Hour race last month in Germany, he’s on track to make an impressive recovery.

“I am really happy that I will be getting back on the Yamaha YZR-M1 in Motegi. I have to admit that it has been challenging for me to watch the last three races from the sofa on a Sunday, even though it looks like the conditions in those rounds were tough. It’s good that this period is over now and I can finally return to the track.”

Working with the Manchester-based Harris and Ross team, who have worked with the likes of Jonathan Rea and Simon Andrews in the past, Smith has now returned to his home in Andorra to continue the hard work.

“I have been working hard on my entire rehabilitation and many people have committed a lot of time and effort to give me the best chance to be ready as quickly as possible. In fact, the recovery process was due to be six months but after the efforts by myself, the doctors and everyone else, I managed to do it eight to nine weeks.

“For sure, it’s super that I am fit enough to race again and I am excited for the last four MotoGP events of the 2016 season, including the flyaway races and in addition, I am looking forward to seeing the whole Monster Yamaha Tech3 team again.”