The British Monster Tech 3 Yamaha rider announced before the start of the Moto3 race that he will riding with KTM as a factory rider after signing a two year contract with KTM, who will be joining the MotoGP field next season.

The 25-year-old has raced for Tech 3 Yamaha for four years as an open class rider and the 2017 season will be his first on a factory bike.

“It is good news I am able to announce a two year deal with KTM racing so I am very excited," Smith told reporters. "With signing to that new project I know that it’s going to be a lot of hard work but everyone involved in the project should hopefully be motivated. I have been speaking with pit and Mike Lightner over the winter and I’ll be joining that project for the next two years."

Smith was said to be "pleased" that the situation has been sorted so now he "can concentrate on the job in hand." The Tech 3 Yamaha rider started the 2016 Qatar MotoGP 11th on the grid, which was always going to be a tough task for the youngster.

"It’s nice for me to get everything clear and out of the way and things are positive for the future so now I have to concentrate for my day job which is right now with the Tech 3 team," Smith finished.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the Brit who had recently mentioned that his future with Tech 3 Yamaha was unlikely.

Bradley Smith's rise to MotoGP

Born in Oxford, Smith competed in the 125cc World Championship before making the step up to Moto2 in 2011. Smith enjoyed an impressive 2012 season, which saw the Brit score points in every race bar two, before making the move to MotoGP in 2013.

Smith lined up alongside Cal Crutchlow, which saw the Tech 3 rider finish 10th in the riders championship, with three sixth placed finishes his best results.

The 2014 season saw Smith improve in the MotoGP Championship, finishing the season in eighth, before achieving a six placed finish in the championship last time round. The San Marino Grand Prix saw Smith achieve his best finish, getting on the podium for the first time, alongside fellow British rider Scott Redding.

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About the author
Danielle Overend
Passionate about everything motorcycles and Moto GP!