After a long career with Tech 3 and in the premier class with Monster Yamaha Tech 3, Bradley Smith signed off from the squad in the Valencia GP to join Red Bull KTM Factory racing, as the Austrian factory get onto the grid full time in 2017. Following two initial days of testing, Smith is optimistic about the project and the team around him, and began focusing on electronics and gearing as the project remains in its infancy. Putting in 59 laps on day two with a best of 1:32.538, Smith got through a good program of work and familiarisation ahead of lining up as a full factory rider for the first time in 2017.
Bradley Smith (P20, day two): “I can’t ask for more. It’s been two very hard days and my head wants to explode. The biggest thing is I really enjoy working with people that understand and can implement what I am trying to achieve, and I think that’s the most exciting thing. They understand and they can change things and improve things. These last two days have just been information gathering from an electronics point of view or gearbox and gearing. To be aware which gear gets the maximum power from the engine at the right moment. That’s been the main focus. Its not basic stuff but its far away from working on chassis settings and suspension. We’re really at the beginning of our working process. I believe what we have achieved in these two days is very good. It gives direction for where we want to go.”