Bradley Smith close to new 125GP deal

Bradley Smith is close to finalising details of a new deal with the Aspar Aprilia 125GP team.

The 18-year-old had wanted to move to the Moto2 600cc world championship in 2010 but the Spanish-based Aspar squad will move to the new class with reigning world 125GP champion Julian Simon and Frenchman Mike di Meglio.

Fausto Gresini’s squad has also approached Smith for Moto2, but as yet the Italian has been unable to confirm his final budget for 2010.

Smith, who was second in last weekend’s Sepang race in Malaysia to secure second place in the 2009 125GP world championship, told MCN in the Far East: “I’m still not sure what is happening but I think everything will be sorted out before or in Valencia.”

The Oxfordshire rider will remain in the Aspar squad and will be joined by Spaniard Nicolas Terol next season, MCN understands.

Smith, who has claimed five successive podium finishes and has two wins this season, will start next season as title favourite.