---
title: "Smith to return for Japanese Grand Prix"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2016/09/25/smith-return-japanese-grand-prix/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lewis Duncan"
section: "MotoGP News"
published: "2016-09-25T14:38:44Z"
modified: "2016-09-25T14:39:06Z"
---

# Smith to return for Japanese Grand Prix

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 have confirmed that Britain’s Bradley Smith will return to action in next month’s Japanese Grand Prix at the TwinRing Motegi having been sidelined with injury since August.

Smith was competing in the 8-Hours of Oschersleben endurance race with the YART team at the end of August when he injured his leg. The Briton crashed during free practice and was struck by another rider, suffering ligament damage to his right knee as well as a laceration to his leg.

This forced him out of his home round at Silverstone, Misano and this weekend’s Grand Prix at Aragon. Countryman Alex Lowes has been filling in for Smith, impressing hugely, though was forced to sit out today’s Aragon race himself with a foot injury.

“I have to admit that it has been challenging for me to watch the last three races from the sofa on Sunday, even though it looks like the conditions in those rounds were tough,” said Smith.

“It’s good that this period is over now and I can finally return to the track. I have been working hard on my entire rehabilitation and many people have committed a lot of time and effort to give me the best chance to be read as quickly as possible.

“In fact, the recovery process was due to be six month but after the efforts by myself, the doctors and everyone else, I managed to to it in eight to nine weeks.”

These final four races will be Smith’s last as a Yamaha rider as he joins current teammate Pol Espargaro in moving to the factory KTM team next season, the pair spearheading the Austrian marque’s premier class debut.