Smith ruled out of MotoE season opener

Bradley Smith will not line up for the opening round of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup as expected this weekend at Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto.

The British rider was due to begin his 2022 campaign with WithU GRT RNF MotoE Racing as the electric season kicks off in southern Spain but has been ruled out by medics due to a fractured vertebrae sustained in the dramatic start of the Le Mans 24-hour, less than a fortnight ago.

Smith had entered the first round of the Endurance World Championship at the final hour, alongside Claudio Corti with the Moto Ain Yamaha outfit, qualifying seventh on the grid. Unfortunately, a high impact collision during the start procedure left the 31-year-old on his way to hospital rather than challenging in the inaugural event.

While Smith has spent the past week and a half undergoing extensive treatment and rehab in a bid to be back on the bike at Jerez this weekend, doctors have denied the efforts due to the fracture requiring more time to heal.

Lukas Tulovic is set to replace Smith at GRT this weekend while the Brit continues further treatment, with the ill-fated Le Mans now the scene for his debut with the newly-formed team. “Unfortunately, I got the frustrating news that I’m being declared unfit for Jerez,” Smith confirmed.

“My medical team has done an amazing job getting me ready during the last ten days and honestly, I feel ready to compete and start the season. But I must respect the MotoGP medical teams’ final decision and let my fracture heal a few more days and be ready for Le Mans.”