Smith joins Ten Kate Yamaha for Argentina WorldSSP

Bradley Smith is set to deputise for the injured Leonardo Taccini at Ten Kate Yamaha for the Argentinian round of WorldSSP.

Taccini suffered a broken right wrist during a final-lap crash in last Saturday’s Supersport race with the Italian out of action for round ten as 2022’s flyaway conclusion kicks into gear.

Smith, who faced his own injury-blighted season before completing the second half of the MotoE campaign at WithU GRT RNF, was on hand at Portimao to celebrate Eugene Laverty’s final race weekend on European soil, with the Brit called up by the Yamaha squad for the next round.

While the 31-year-old has been on track with his ‘109 Project’ testing both Yamaha and Moto2-spec machinery throughout his recovery, the former MotoGP rider has limited experience on Pirelli rubber and has yet to visit the Argentine track - with Grand Prix focusing it’s South American action at the Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo, around 800kms north of WorldSBK’s San Juan Circuit.

“What an amazing opportunity this is for me to join the Ten Kate Racing team,” Smith confirmed.

“After what has been a complicated season with injuries, it’s a great way to finish the year, so a big ‘thank you’ to the team for considering me for the Argentina round.

“There will be a lot of things to contend with in Villicum, the bike, tyres, circuit and the WorldSBK Championship are brand new to me but after being trackside in Portimao I am looking forward to joining an ultra-competitive World Supersport Category.”