BRADLEY Smith’s return to Moto2 after seven years ended prematurely as he crashed out after ten laps at Silverstone.

The rider from Forest Hill had been drafted in by Petronas Sprinta Racing for the British Grand Prix as cover for the injured Khairul Idham Pawi.

But he crashed out just over halfway through the race, frustratingly just as the 28-year-old was starting to feel comfortable.

Smith said: “I found my rhythm in the race, had just done my best time of the weekend, and was feeling better and better.

“But maybe I forgot what bike I was riding and flicked it into the last corner a little bit too aggressively and lost the front.

“That’s the negative of riding lots of different bikes in a short space of time.

“I’m sorry for the team because we didn’t want things to end this way.

“Apart from the crash, I’m very pleased with the progress we made over the weekend and I really enjoyed the opportunity.”