Bradley Smith stays at Tech 3, MotoGP in 2013

Bradley Smith has signed a new deal with Tech 3, which will see the Englishman remain in Moto2 next year - then move to the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 MotoGP team for 2013 and 2014.

The 20-year-old Englishman, a former 125cc title contender, has taken three podiums in his first Moto2 season, including a best of second position in his home race at Silverstone.

Smith has also claimed four other top six finishes and with four rounds of the campaign left, he remains firmly in the hunt for third position in the overall standings.

"I am thrilled to have signed a three-year deal with the Tech 3 Racing Team and I am looking forward to continuing the excellent relationship we've developed in 2011," said Smith.

"I have a fantastic relationship with Herve, my crew chief Tom Jojic and all my crew, who all have an amazing passion for racing. It is that dedication and desire to succeed that convinced me to join Tech 3 in 2011, so to be staying until the end of 2014 is the perfect scenario for me.

"There was never any doubt in my mind that Tech 3 would be the best option to develop my career. It has been flattering to have attracted interest from so many top teams in Moto2, but the opportunity to move to MotoGP in 2013 was simply too good for me to turn down.

"To think I'll be riding a Yamaha 1000cc MotoGP bike just over a year from now is hard to believe. I've worked so hard for many years to earn the chance to be given an opportunity like this, and now it has come I intend to grab it with both hands.

"Tech 3 gave me the chance to move to MotoGP in 2012 and it was an honour to be even considered at this stage of my career. The decision to stay in Moto2 was one of the hardest of my life but I believe that together, we can be fighting at the front from the start of next season and pushing to challenge for the Championship."

Team manager Herve Poncharal is pleased to have secured such a long-term association with Smith.

"It gives me enormous pleasure to confirm that Tech 3 has signed a three-year agreement with Bradley Smith," he began. "Without doubt, we have managed to secure the services of one of the brightest young talents in the world and I am thrilled that Bradley has put his trust in Tech 3 to help him accomplish his dream of racing in MotoGP.

"We know he had a lot of interest inside the paddock because of the way he has performed this season, so it is a big compliment to Tech 3 that he chose to commit himself to us until the end of 2014 at least.

"Bradley has made an immediate impact in Moto2 this year and we all know it is a very difficult class. The rules mean that rider talent plays a crucial role in determining the results, and Bradley has shown he has the speed, talent and commitment to match the best.

"He has shown the true potential of the Mistral 610 machine with some phenomenal performances this season, and we are in no doubt that in 2012 he can be a genuine title contender before he makes the step to MotoGP.

"One more year in Moto2 will help him gain more valuable experience, so that when he moves to our MotoGP Team in 2013, he will be immediately competitive. I am convinced that with Bradley's long-term commitment to Tech 3 Racing that we can look forward to a long and successful relationship together."

Completing the Tech 3 Moto2 line-up in 2012 will be Xavier Simeon.

The Belgian has scored points in three races to date, including a best result of 12th in the Mugello round. The 22-year-old will continue to be supported by RTL-Sport in Belgium.

"I'm also pleased to have signed Xavier Simeon," said Poncharal. "He has shown a lot of promise in 2011 and I'm sure next year he can be consistently finishing in the points and I want to thank RTL-Sport in Belgium for their continued support."

Smith's present team-mate and former 125cc world champion Mike di Meglio thus looks set to leave the team.

Tech 3 is still to name Cal Crutchlow's MotoGP team-mate for 2012.