MotoGP: Bradley Smith set to return to Moto2 for the British GP at Silverstone.

Bradley Smith will be returning to Moto2 racing, filling in for injury-stricken Petronas rider Khairul Idham Pawi. And he’s going to be heading back to Blighty to race in the British GP at Silverstone in a couple of weeks’ time.

Smith currently races for the One Energy team in MotoE – while also fulfilling MotoGP test and wild-card duties for Aprilia – but he’s now been called-up as the latest replacement for injured Petronas Sprinta Racing rider Khairul Idham Pawi.

Of course, this isn’t Smith’s first foray into Moto2 racing. During the 2011-2012 season he turned in three podium finishes, which resulted in him being offered a ride in MotoGP. But this will be the first time Smith has tried the new 765cc Triumph Moto2 engine, updated electronics and Kalex chassis – so he’ll be hoping to get up to speed pretty quickly.

Speaking about the news, Smith said: “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!”

Petronas Sprinta Team Director Johan Stigefelt added: “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.”