Smith confirmed to remain with Bancaja Aspar

The 2009 125cc World Championship runner-up Bradley Smith will remain with the Bancaja Aspar team in the single cylinder class next year following confirmation of his contract renewal from the Jorge Martínez-owned structure on Tuesday.

The team also officially announced the signing of Nico Terol for 2010, after the Spaniard impressed with his third place finish in this year’s standings, meaning that they will be well placed to collectively challenge for another World title next year following Julián Simón’s 2009 success.

Martínez Aspar commented, “Our main objective in the 125cc category has to be retaining the title. Bradley Smith had a sensational end to the year, I think we really saw the best of him and he was the only one able to get close to Julián. We have managed to persuade him to stay with us in 125cc because he wanted to go into Moto2. I believe he will be one of the main title candidates next year along with Nico Terol.”

“I also think Nico had a great year too and I hope he will feel part of the ‘family’ here as he goes head-to-head with Smith. I’m very happy to have both of these riders on board for 2010. Nico has grown up a lot recently and it has all been from effort and hard work, so I think he deserves a chance to fight for the World Championship.”

Aspar have also confirmed that their Mapfre Aspar Moto2 team will see Mike di Meglio and Julián Simón riding as team-mates in the new 600cc 4-stroke category next season.