MotoGP: Bradley Smith ready for crucial period

Aprilia rider Bradley Smith believes his career best second place in Le Mans last weekend has given him the perfect platform to build on for arguably the most critical period of the campaign.

With five races now in seven weeks including his home race at Donington Park next month, Smith knows the next few weeks could make or break his 125GP world title aspirations.

The Polaris World Aprilia rider breathed fresh life into his title challenge last weekend in France when he claimed a superb second in a five-lap dash, and he said: “We have got quite a tough schedule coming up where there are a lot of points are available.

“Coming up are four races at completely different circuits and possibly different weather conditions. It is going to be crucial to see who can take the most points and the best advantage from these races.

“Catalunya and Assen are quite well known for being breakaway races so it will depend on who can run a good pace at this two.

“I am just focusing on the next race in Mugello and trying to keep this form up.”