Smith to replace Pawi at Petronas for British GP

British racer Bradley Smith will replace the injured Khairul Idham Pawi at next weekend’s GoPro British Grand Prix at Silverstone, stepping into the Malaysian rider’s shoes at Petronas Sprinta Racing. A former podium finisher in the 125, Moto2™ and MotoGP™ classes, Smith will make his debut on the Triumph-powered Kalex as Pawi continues his recovery from surgery earlier this week.

Hailing from only 30 minutes from the Silverstone circuit, Smith has a strong pedigree at the track, and qualified eighth last year in the MotoGP™ class. Marking his first return to the Moto2™ class since 2012, Smith will be aiming to have a successful weekend in front of his home fans – something he did in the Moto2™ class back in 2011 when finishing second at the Northamptonshire layout.

Bradley Smith: “Honestly, it’s going to be quite strange to jump onto a Moto2 bike for the first time since 2012, because the championship has changed quite a lot. I’ve followed the changes very closely with the new engine and a little more torque and power, but it’s still going to be very different for me. I’m excited for the opportunity though! I had a fantastic time last year at the British Grand Prix, qualified really well, and missed out being able to race in front of the fans, so to be able to turn up for my home race again will be amazing. My target for the weekend is to have fun, to do the best I can, and to come away on Sunday with something to be proud of. I’ve got no idea how it’ll work, having to learn a bike, a track and tyres on a normal GP weekend, but it’s something I’m very excited for!”

Johan Stigefelt – Team Director: “For us as a team it’s great to have Bradley join us for Silverstone, especially as he’s already part of our team in MotoE. We know him really well, we know as a rider he’s always dedicated and he always gives 100%, and it’s great to give him the opportunity at his home race. Of course it’s going to be difficult for him as he hasn’t ridden Moto2 in a long time and the bikes are very different now, but we’re aware of that and we’ll give him the tools he needs to be as fast as possible.”