Smith explains ‘sore’ FP2 high-side

Bradley Smith hit debris on track which triggered his heavy high-side crash during the second practice session ahead of the Spanish MotoGP which has left him sore but in one piece.

The Aprilia test rider is wildcarding this weekend in Jerez, following the delay of the first-ever MotoE campaign due to the devastating paddock fire during pre-season testing, but saw his FP2 brought to a painful halt as he high-sided off at Turn 5 which caused a red flag incident.

Smith has explained he hit debris dropped on track from Karel Abraham’s separate crash at the same corner just ahead of him. The British rider instantly lost control of his RS-GP machine and was spat into a high-side which forced both Tito Rabat and Danilo Petrucci into avoiding action.

After being checked over by the Jerez medical team, Smith has confirmed he suffered no serious injuries apart from sore ankles which he’s confident of recovering from overnight.

“Unfortunately, I hit some debris that was left on the track after Abraham’s crash and that made me lose control of the bike,” Smith said in an Aprilia release. “I was thrown by a high side and I fell right in the middle of the track.

“Fortunately, the other riders avoided me and nothing is broken, although both my ankles are sore.

“It’s a pity. I was doing a good lap. In any case, I’m pleased with the work done today. We are moving in the right direction and I think we’ll be able to keep going the same way tomorrow.”

Smith ended Friday practice 21st on the combined results ahead of his second wildcard appearance for Aprilia having signed as the team’s test rider for this season.