Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team riders Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro will commence the Gran Premio d'Italia TIM this weekend and are fully optimistic of seizing a pair of strong results as the MotoGP paddock moves to Italian soil. Round 6 of the 2015 MotoGP World Championship will be contested at the legendary Italian circuit which is set deep in the Tuscan hills. The meandering 5.2 kilometre track, which features a straight of 1141 metres, always provides a high octane and entertaining race for the hugely enthusiastic local crowd who will pack out the facility for the 23 lap fight on Sunday.

Bradley Smith will aim to continue his positive form so far in 2015 at the Italian circuit, fresh from coming from a 6th place finish at the Tech3 team's home race in Le Mans. The British rider has closed in on the leading satellite bike position in the championship standings to within a point and will seek to score another top result aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 at the Mugello circuit. Meanwhile, Pol Espargaro will intend to bounce back from his recent compartment surgery with a strong finish in Tuscany. The 2013 Moto2 World Champion completed last year's race with a determined ride to 5th position and will intend to battle as close to the front as possible on Sunday.

"It's that time of the year when we visit the awesome Mugello circuit again. Riding this track is a real pleasure and the race event is one that everyone enjoys, especially as the crowd is always so passionate. The track is undulating and there is a huge straight which means some of the fastest top speeds of the year are set there. With regards to the Yamaha, the flowing nature of the circuit suits us and as long as I ride smoothly, I feel that we can clinch a good result. Last race, I was right in the hunt with Iannone and Marquez in the final section of the race, so I hope to be in a similar position this time around on Sunday afternoon. As always, we will try to hit the ground running and we will look to get everything set up as soon as possible so that we can have a strong qualifying which is vital in order to close the weekend with a positive result in the race."

Profil

"I am excited about riding the Yamaha in the Tuscan hills this weekend! It will be a long race, especially after the surgery, but some corners such as the Casanova or the Savelli, are great fun to ride on a MotoGP bike. My operation was successful last week and I've had a few days to recover so that I can be as ready as possible for this race, which is a physically demanding one. The last GP was tricky due to my injury, but I still managed to finish the race in 7th and picked up some valuable championship points. Also this weekend I will push as hard as possible on race day but we will see how my arm feels before I make any serious predictions, yet for sure, I aim to be as high as possible. Last year I finished the race in 5th position and I've scored three podiums in the lower leagues at the track. To do the same this year would be great, so the plan is to qualify well and then finish the race in a strong placement. The atmosphere created by the crowd is always amazing and the perfect addition to our racing so I can't wait to see them at the track supporting us as enthusiastically as they always do."

Profil

"We all look forward to the Mugello race and for sure, this weekend will be another special event like usual. The track really is one of the finest that we have the pleasure to visit and the weaving corners, plus the long straight always make spectacular viewing for the crowds. Last year was a tale of two stories as Pol qualified and finished in 5th and Bradley unfortunately fell. However, this year we have had some really good results from both riders, so we are fully confident that they can be fighting where they want to be aboard their Yamaha MotoGP bikes. Brad has done a solid job so far this year and has turned the corner from last year, with a new attitude and approach to the sport. This has reflected in his results and with five rounds completed we see him just one point back from Cal in the championship standings. Pol has been a little unlucky at times this season, but he is as determined and as hungry as ever. His surgery was a complete success so we will see how he is when we start the practice on Friday. It may be a bit too early to expect him to be fighting where he wants to be, but for sure, he has a strong record here and will be giving his all as always. The boys are doing well and we hope to clinch two more strong results this weekend in Italy."