Bradley Smith ‘excited to be back’ in MotoE after year away from racing

The all-new WithU GRT RNF MotoE Team have officially unveiled their 2022 bike which Bradley Smith and Niccolo Canepa will make a return to the World Cup with.

The team’s presentation took place alongside the new WithU RNF Yamaha MotoGP team as Andrea Dovizioso and Darryn Binder unveiled their M1 machine at the iconic Philharmonic Theatre in Verona. 

Despite Smith having a year away from racing in 2021 after being released by Aprilia as the team’s test rider, the inaugural MotoE World Cup runner-up will line-up for his second season in the class, which is also his second with the team, albeit under a different set-up.

Missing the last two years of MotoE racing hasn’t stopped the British rider from aiming high as he intends to win the title. 

"I’m excited to be back in MotoE and excited to be back in the MotoGP paddock after an unexpected year off," said Smith. "It feels nice to be back with the same team - although with a little bit of a different structure. 

"I would obviously like to go one step better this year after getting the silver medal. I’ve watched the championship closely the last couple of years.

"As always, the championship remains very competitive. I’m thrilled for the new format this season, the fact that the Qualifying is a little bit more normal and there are 14 races, which gives us a longer championship and more opportunities. 

"There are plenty of different tracks that I’m excited to race; for example Mugello and also Finland. So, let’s get started."

Like Smith, team-mate Canepa returns to the MotoE World Cup after competing in both the 2019 and 2020 seasons - both times finishing ninth.  

Canepa added: "I’m super excited to come back to MotoE after missing the last season, and I’m even more excited to race in the WithU GRT RNF MotoE team! 

"The FIM Enel MotoE World Cup is a championship that is growing and I’m proud to be a part of this. The bike livery is really special and I can’t wait to ride this beauty soon!"