BRADLEY Smith is ready for a ride into “the unknown” as the MotoGP season begins in Qatar this weekend.

The Oxfordshire rider will face the biggest test of his career so far on Sunday when he lines up on the grid at the Losail circuit.

Smith has raced for the last seven seasons in MotoGP’s feeder series and has spent as much time as possible this winter getting to know his Monster Tech 3 Yamaha.

But despite the amount of experience under his belt, the 22-year-old admits nothing can fully prepare him for what lies ahead.

“It is nerve-racking going into your first season because you are going into the unknown,” he said.

“But I’m ready to start the biggest adventure of my life “I can’t wait to get out there.”