Smith expects to stay at Tech 3 in 2014
MotoGP rookie Bradley Smith expects to remain with Monster Yamaha Tech 3 for 2014, during what should be the final year of his existing contract.
But with out-of-contract team-mate Cal Crutchlow and Moto2 star Pol Espargaro both hotly linked to the French team for next season, Smith's position is being called into question.
Asked about the situation on the eve of this weekend's Assen round, Smith replied:
"Right, so it's true that I have a contract. It's true there is a lot of talking. What else can I say? As far as I'm aware WMG, my management company, are happy with everything that is going on.
"Yamaha people have believed in me this year. I'm hoping for my results to improve. There's always going to be [a] difficult situation with the amount of riders that are in our team - and the amount of riders that are supposed to be going into our team!
"Right now I have a contract. Right now Yamaha haven't said anything to me. They are happy with my performance. Obviously we're all trying to improve that, trying to improve my results. But I'm looking to be in the same team for 2014."
Smith, who underwent hand surgery following a Mugello accident, claimed his best yet MotoGP finish with sixth place last time in Catalunya. The 22-year-old has been a Tech 3 rider since the 2011 Moto2 season.
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