Bradley Smith signs new Tech 3 Yamaha MotoGP contract

The British rider, who sits fifth in the riders' standings as the highest-placed satellite competitor, said at the recent Indianapolis race he was keen to sign a new deal, suggesting he was disappointed to be made to wait following the news that his team-mate Pol Espargaro had landed a new contract with Yamaha.

"Obviously I'm really pleased to be able to continue this journey and it's fantastic to re-sign for another season," said Smith.

"Everyone in the team has put their faith in me again and we know that 2016 will be tricky due to the changes in regulations.

"However, I'm optimistic this will give the satellite riders more of a chance to be competitive.

"I'm confident about going into next year, as I know that everything will be fairer.

"2016 will be exciting and I am more than pleased about being able to ride aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 and with the Tech 3 team."

Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal believes the deal is well-timed ahead of Smith's home grand prix at Silverstone this weekend.

"I am super happy and proud to finally announce that Bradley will remain with our team for one more year," he said.

"Brad will hold the record with Colin Edwards for the amount of time in the premier class with Tech3, which is four years and this shows that he will be a very important rider in the team's history

"Of course, he deserves to be given the opportunity by the team together with Factory Yamaha to ride an M1 for another season after having had a fantastic first part of the year.

"Now we hope that the fact that his future is sorted will give him a big boost for his upcoming home GP.

"I am sure that he is going to be even stronger in the final rounds of the 2015 season compared to what we have seen so far."

Smith also helped Yamaha to its first victory in the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours last month, teaming with Espargaro and Katsuyuki Nakasuga on a factory entry.