MotoGP Le Mans: Smith ruled unfit

Bradley Smith has been ruled out of the Le Mans MotoE action this weekend after medical checks on his fractured vertebrae.

Having completed extensive rehab over the past fortnight, the WithU GRT RNF rider had hoped to compete in the second round of the electric cup as the MotoGP paddock arrives in France but the championship’s medical team failed to agree having studied the Brit’s scans.

Smith was injured during a start line collision at the Bugatti Circuit last month during the opening round of the FIM Endurance World Championship where he was competing with privateer Yamaha outfit Moto Ain.

His replacement at the GRT squad for the upcoming two races has yet to be announced with Smith heading to London for the inaugural eSC event at the Printworks, after assisting in the development stages of the new electric series.

“After riding at Cremona on Wednesday I was confident then my physical condition was in tip top shape,” Smith told Bikesportnews.com on Thursday. “But the MotoGP medical team advised to wait until Mugello and give the fractures more time heal.

“Sometimes it’s not a decision of can you ride…. but is it safe to crash,” he confirmed.