BRADLEY Smith was upbeat after securing his first MotoGP points of the season with a 13th placed-finish in the Spanish race at Jerez.
The Oxfordshire rider’s best finish, which brought him three points, came a few days after learning that he has lost his factory ride for the Red Bull KTM team to Yamaha star Johann Zarco next season.
Smith challenged Pol
Espargaro all the way, but dropped a place on the last bend after a failed attempt to overtake his Spanish teammate.
After the race, Smith said: “It was a bit of a shame to lose a place, but I was pleased with my pace.
“It is nice to see our updated bike looking strong. It is looking like the right direction.”
Zarco, meanwhile, finished the race runner-up to championship leader Marc Marquez.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here