Monster Yamaha Tech 3 star Bradley Smith files his latest 2012 blog for Crash.net - shortly after his first ever MotoGP laps at the Valencia test (pictured)!
I'm still buzzing and what a feeling to ride such an unbelievable motorcycle!
After all the disappointment of Tuesday and the rain, at last I got the chance I've been waiting for over a year for - and it was better than I'd ever dreamed off.
The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1 is amazing and, although I've only managed 16 laps on the wet track so far - [
Update: With track conditions improving, Smith has since returned for further laps on the M1] - I got some indication of just what to expect in the future.
I was nervous and cautious as I left pit line on wet weather tyres and felt all eyes were focused on me but the bike was an absolute delight to ride.
It was a complete eye opener to ride a bike which incorporates so much technology and research. I found it fun to ride and of course there is so much to learn, but this was just two eight-lap sessions in the wet to get a feel of the bike.
The traction control and tyres were so different to anything I've experienced before. The power did not rip my arms off but it was very easy to lift that front wheel. Going down the front straight towards turn one I had a quick look at the speed indicator which showed 300kph which in Oxfordshire language is over 185mph - and fast!
Tuesday morning had been the biggest let down of my career but there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. The sun was shining at the circuit when my
MotoGP leathers arrived on Monday and I was measured and weighed for the bike it really hit home what a big day this was.
I'd been waiting all year for this moment and the drizzle kept falling. They were the worst conditions possible and if the track was really soaking the team would've let me go out to get a feel of the bike. To say I was disappointed was an understatement but when the Yamaha factory team packed up and set off to Aragon I knew I was going to have to be patient.
Just to add to my frustration my name appeared on the official timing screens to have completed a few laps right at the start of the session when the track was dry.