Bradley Smith expecting tough MotoGP return at Motegi

Tech3 rider Bradley Smith is looking forward to returning to MotoGP at the Japanese Grand Prix after missing three races due to injury, but is expecting a tough weekend.

The Motegi circuit hosts the 15th round of the 2016 MotoGP season and will be Smith’s first time riding his Yamaha bike in seven weeks.

Smith suffered serious ligament damage to his left knee in a crash during practice for the Oschersleben eight-hour endurance race in August.

After missing three rounds, he thinks it will take a little time to settled back in the seat of his Tech3 bike but is excited to return to the series.

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“I am excited about jumping back on my YZR-M1 and even though I know it will be a challenging race, I am determined and I will do my very best,” he said.

“It will be the first time that I can ride a MotoGP bike after seven weeks and even though I am almost fit, it will take me a bit of time to fully adjust to being back on the Yamaha.

“This will be the initial goal of the weekend, but I am confident that I can quickly get up to speed again.”

“Japan is a special place, with it being the home of Yamaha and also the country where I won the Suzuka 8 Hours event last year. Plus, the fans are fantastic and really supportive which will motivate me even further.

“However, I know this weekend will be physically demanding due to the stop and go nature of the circuit, plus, there are a lot of hard braking corners but I am certain that we can start the flyaway races positively before we head to Phillip Island.”