Bradley Smith took full advantage of the weather to finish a brilliant second in the five lap 125cc race at the Alice Grand Prix of France after the first race had been stopped because of rain.
The 17 year old Polaris World Aprilia rider actually led the shortest race in grand prix history but settled for a safe second place after being overtaken by the Frenchman Mike di Meglio. After his crashes in Portugal and China this result, his best in grand prix racing, was a massive boost to the teenager and his team.
“I was given a second chance by the weather and I was determined not to waste it," said a delighted Smith, after finishing second behind Di Meglio. “In the first race I made a dreadful start from the front row and had fought my way back to ninth and then the rain started to fall and the race was stopped, giving me a big second chance. I made a good start from the third row and led the way in the wet. With one and a half laps remaining Di Meglio came by and when I went through to start the last lap the team held out a big pit board which said 2nd OK and I knew exactly what they meant. It was a fantastic feeling crossing the line after so many disappointments this year and now we can really get the season underway at Mugello in two weeks time.”
Images by GoldandGoose
