Smith replaces KIP to make Moto2 home return at British GP

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- British rider, Bradley Smith is set to make a return to Moto2 action when he replaces Malaysian Moto2 rider, Khairul Idham Pawi (KIP) at the British Grand Prix (GP) at the Silverstone Circuit, next week.

Smith who secured three podium finishes while taking part in the Moto2 category on a Tech3 chasis during the 2011-2012 season, replaces the Petronas Sprinta Racing rider who successfully underwent  hand surgery in Barcelona, Spain on Tuesday.

Speaking on his return to Moto2 action, Smith said, he was fired up to secure a positive result before the home crowd, adding that he is still adapting to the changes in Moto2 category since 2012.

“Honestly, it’s going to be quite strange to jump onto a Moto2 bike for the first time since 2012, because the championship has changed quite a lot. I’ve followed the changes very closely with the new engine and a little more torque and power, but it’s still going to be very different for me,” he was quoted as saying in the statement issued by Petronas Sprinta Racing Team (SRT), today.

“My target for the weekend is to have fun, to do the best I can, and to come away on Sunday with something to be proud of. I’ve got no idea how it’ll work, having to learn a bike, a track and tyres on a normal GP weekend, but it’s something I’m very excited for!” added the 28-year-old Englishman who currently races for the One Energy (Sepang) team in MotoE World Cup Championship.

Petronas SRT team director, Johan Stigefelt said, the team was delighted to have Smith on board, and hoped the latter would utilise his experience in Moto2 to help the team in next weekend’s race.

“We know him really well, we know as a rider he’s always dedicated and he always gives 100%, and it’s great to give him the opportunity in his home race.

“Of course it’s going to be difficult for him as he hasn’t ridden Moto2 in a long time and the bikes are very different now, but we’re aware of that and we’ll give him the tools he needs to be as fast as possible, “added Stigefelt.

For the record, Khairul Idham, 20, underwent two surgeries after he was involved in an accident while taking part in Spanish GP in May.

Since then, Petronas SRT has recruited Mattia Pasini of Italy and Germany rider, Jonas Folger to replace Khairul Idham, but none of them were able to make a mark for the team in the last six races.

-- BERNAMA