BIC, Sakhir – Bahrain International Circuit, “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, will this weekend be welcoming MotoGP ace Bradley Smith to Sakhir.
Smith will be taking to BIC’s world-class 5.412-kilometre Grand Prix track on Saturday and Sunday (January 5 and 6, 2013).
On day one, the 22-year-old Briton will take the time to instruct a team of 12 local riders and give them an insight into what it is like being amongst the world’s best racers.
The following day, Smith will be having some dedicated track time to experience first-hand the globally renowned desert facility.
Smith’s visit to Bahrain comes as part of his interest in racing at some of the region’s top international venues.
“Bahrain International Circuit is extremely delighted to be hosting a racer in the class of Bradley Smith,” BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said.
“As ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’, BIC is always open to those who are most passionate about racing.
“What a great opportunity it will be for those in our local motor biking community who will get to spend a day being instructed by a MotoGP rider. Hopefully they make the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience and may it help lead them to a brighter future in the sport.
“We extend the warmest of welcomes to Bradley and his entourage. May he enjoy his visit and find our circuit to be everything it has been billed out to be and more!”
Smith commented: “I’m so looking forward to this trip – helping up-and-coming riders, riding a new circuit which I’ve only seen on the television and to be honest enjoying a bit of sunshine. I’ve been pushing really hard to make this happen.
“Of course, it’s great preparation for me before MotoGP testing gets underway in Sepang but also I’m certain there is some real racing talent in that part of the world. You only have to see how MotoGP has exploded in Malaysia to understand what the success of local riders can achieve.”
Smith will be racing in his first season in MotoGP in 2013 with Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team. He will be competing in the number 38 Yamaha YZR-M1 bike alongside countryman and teammate Cal Crutchlow.
Smith’s first MotoGP test of the season starts at Sepang in Malaysia on February 5. The first grand prix of the 2013 MotoGP World Championship will be held under floodlights at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar on April 7.
Smith has had plenty of experience racing at the highest international levels before moving on to MotoGP.
He first competed in the 125cc World Championship at the age of 15 in 2006, and has since made a name for himself with wins, podium finishes and pole positions. Smith moved on to race in the Moto2 World Championship in 2011, before claiming his long-awaited MotoGP ride starting from 2013.
