Future GP stars picked

Two young Brits have been selected for the MotoGP Academy – a scheme to train six of the most promising young riders in Europe.

The Brits-for-the-future are teenagers Bradley Smith and Daniel Webb.

The training programme has been created by MotoGP rights owners Dorna Sports to groom future talents, and will be headed by Telefonica Movistar Honda 250cc team manager Alberto Puig.

The training will take place in Spain as well as the home countries of the riders, and includes a psychophysical section with a work routine, and education including learning languages. It also includes sports preparation with winter motocross and supermotard training, participation in the 2005 Spanish 125cc championship and the chance to ride in the 125 GP championship as wildcards.

The six selected riders are:

Joshua Sommer, 15, Germany, Red Bull Rookies to MotoGP champion.

Meik Minnerop, 15, Germany, 4th in the 125cc German championship

Bradley Smith, 14, Great britain, 4th Aprilia Superteen

Daniel Webb, 13, Great Britain, 2nd Aprilia Superteen

Ion Garrido, 16, Spain, Movistar Junior Champion

One further Spanish rider from the Movistar Junior Cup to be announced.