Bradley Smith expressed his delight after completing the Moto GP season in sixth spot following the final race in Valencia yesterday.

The Oxfordshire ace secured a battling top-six place in Spain to ensure he finished at the top satellite (non-factory) rider in the standings, behind world champion Jorge Lorenzo, of Spain.

Smith fought determinedly to conclude the 30-lap sprint right behind his Monster Yamaha Tech3 team rider Pol Espargaro who was fifth at the Ricardo Tormo circuit The young Briton began from the rear of the second row on the grid, but soon locked into his formidable race rhythm.


He brilliantly dived past Andrea Dovizioso, his closest championship rival, on lap 26.

The fight continued and Smith carried on his pace as he diced right until the chequered flag, he held on to sixth place.

“It has been a fantastic season and almost perfect after completing all of the 18 rounds,” said Smith.

“I’m a bit disappointed to miss out finishing as the leading satellite rider in today’s race.

“However, I can’t be hard on myself as I ended up in the top six and I collected 181 points over the year.

“I am very proud of this, but I am especially pleased with my performance in the second half of the season.”

l Read Bradley Smith's column in the Oxford Mail on Thursday