BRADLEY Smith believes he faces the biggest year of his racing career as he heads to Qatar’s Losail circuit for the opening round of the MotoGP season this weekend.

The Forest Hill rider will embark on his third campaign in motorcycle racing’s premier class when he takes to the grid at the Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar on Sunday.

It is Smith’s third year on the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 and the 24-year-old has shown good pace in testing, despite damaging ankle ligaments in a motocross accident in February.

The rider insisted the injury would not affect him this weekend and, after signing only a one-year deal in August, he is under no illusions about the importance of this season.

“It’s a big year for me, it’s certainly my opportunity,” he said.

“It’s very important to start the season strongly, to put myself in that window for next year, but I have to concentrate on putting in good performances and not worry about it.”

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Smith is determined to repay the faith shown in him by his team, who offered him a new contract during a particularly sticky period.

“How I got this third year in grand prix, I’m still not sure because things were a bit dire contract time,” he said.

“It probably was the worst moment of my career in terms of crashing and performance, but whoever believes in me sees something there.”

“I suppose I just needed time, the right bike or a bit more confidence and I believe I am getting it out now.”

Smith claimed a first MotoGP podium in Australia last season and finished eighth in the championship.

He is expecting this year’s competition to be as tough as ever, but is determined to come out on top of teammate Pol Espargaro and fellow Brits Cal Crutchlow and Scott Redding.

The Oxfordshire star said: “The fact there is going to be three Brits on very similar machinery means there will be tense times.

“There is always fireworks between me and my teammate – we know that between us there is the next step and a chance of a factory contract.”