British MotoGP rookie Bradley Smith forging a reputation for courage

MOTOGP rookie Bradley Smith is making a reputation for himself as a courageous rising star who is prepared to ride hurt.

Bradley Smith

YOU may not have heard of British MotoGP rookie Bradley Smith.

He doesn’t yet have the profile of the likes of Marc Marquez or Valentino Rossi.

But after just 13 races in the top flight, he has forged a reputation for courage after being involved in one of the season’s most talked about incidents.

The 22- year-old became the talk of the MotoGP paddock earlier this year when he posted a gruesome photo on Twitter of his badly mangled finger following a nasty spill during practice for the Italian Grand Prix.

Smith still rode in the race and finished ninth despite the injury that also included a hairline fracture to his wrist when his left arm became trapped under his Monster Yamaha Tech 3.

“I have destroyed my little finger. I have seen far worse so I have got away with it lightly,” he said.

That kind of attitude should endear him to the Aussie crowd today that is still suffering from the retirement of Casey Stoner.

“You are always excited for Phillip Island,” Smith said. “It’s a track that’s different to anything else we have on the calendar.

“The new surface has added a new element because in the past it’s always been a bit hit and miss with some corners really grippy and others like ice.

“Predominantly the track is very fast and flowing — very third and fourth gear corners which is always exciting for the riders.

“As soon as it’s high speed the bike becomes more nervous and everything becomes more of a challenge.

“Normally that makes for great racing.”