Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team riders Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith confidently look on to the forthcoming Japanese Grand Prix where they will aim to kick-start the triple flyaway races in a positive manner. The pair will battle at the legendary Twin Ring Motegi circuit, which has produced many memorable duels over the years and they will seek to ride to success at Yamaha’s home GP in the round 15 fight.

Pol Espargaro will continue his quest to reclaim the top independent position in the World Championship by finishing as closely as possible to the factory MotoGP riders in front of his loyal Japanese fans. The young Spaniard, who currently sits in joint 8th in the standings, returns to Japan full of optimism, after winning the Suzuka 8 Hours event for the second year in succession in July.

Meanwhile, Bradley Smith will get back in the saddle of his YZR-M1 after sitting out the past three MotoGP races due to a knee injury that he sustained in August. However, after a heroic recovery in such a short space of time, the Briton will aim to meet the chequered flag in a solid position in the 24 lap Motul Grand Prix of Japan on Sunday in order to begin the final races of the 2016 season positively.

Pol Espargaro -  Championship: 9th -  Points: 96

"As always, I am excited about going to Japan and I fully intend to score a strong result to repay Yamaha on their home soil. The Japanese fans are special to me and I have had many good times in the country, such as the two victories in the Suzuka 8 Hours event for the Factory Yamaha Racing Team and also sealing the 2013 Moto2 World Championship after winning the GP that year. Therefore, the race in Motegi always has a special place in my heart and this year I will give my all again. We have had a bit of an up and down time recently, but with two weeks off after the Aragon GP, which I finished in 8th, I feel fully prepared and confident. The Motegi circuit is a demanding one, especially with regards to braking, but the Tech3 team and I will get straight to work and I am sure that we can have a solid opening day, which will set me up for a strong result at the end of the weekend."


Bradley Smith -  Championship: 18th - Points: 42

"I am excited about jumping back on my YZR-M1 and even though I know it will be a challenging race, I am determined and I will do my very best. It will be the first time that I can ride a MotoGP bike after seven weeks and even though I am almost fit, it will take me a bit of time to fully adjust to being back on the Yamaha. This will be the initial goal of the weekend, but I am confident that I can quickly get up to speed again. Japan is a special place, with it being the home of Yamaha and also the country where I won the Suzuka 8 Hours event last year. Plus, the fans are fantastic and really supportive which will motivate me even further. However, I know this weekend will be physically demanding due to the stop and go nature of the circuit, plus, there are a lot of hard braking corners but I am certain that we can start the flyaway races positively before we head to Phillip Island."

Hervé Poncharal - Team manager:

“Now we will enter the final section of the year and begin the three flyaway races, starting at Motegi, which is a special place for us. Firstly, I want to warmly welcome Bradley back after his time on the sidelines due to his knee injury. He worked really hard and his recovery has been impressive so we must commend him for this. No doubt Motegi will be a tricky event for him after so many weeks without riding, but we will work non-stop to make sure that he can do the best that he can. As for Pol, he will be fired up and determined for the Japanese Grand Prix with his sights set on acquiring the leading satellite honours on Sunday afternoon. It’s important to get a decent start to these three races and we are confident that he can fight as close as possible to the factory MotoGP riders. The support is always amazing in Japan and with it being Yamaha’s home race as well as sponsored by our backers Motul, we will do our best to please everyone so that we can leave the land of the rising sun with a good feeling.”