Smith admits losing KTM ride "makes sense"

Smith had joined KTM on a two-year deal ahead of the marque's debut in the premier class last year, but he will be replaced by rising Tech 3 Yamaha star Johann Zarco in the factory outfit at the conclusion of the 2018 campaign.

Speaking at Jerez following the confirmation that KTM would field Zarco and Smith's current teammate Pol Espargaro going forward, the Briton conceded the Austrian marque's decision was not unexpected.

"I'm alright. I mean, let's not beat around the bush, simple thing is that you - you're not out of a job, but you're out of the team, which, initially, is always hard to swallow," he said.

"But I'd be lying to you if you didn't know that it was on the cards."

Smith went on to confirm that he and Espargaro were aware KTM was seeking a top MotoGP rider for 2018, and that they would have to battle it out for the other seat.

He admitted Espargaro decisively won that battle in 2017, finishing 17th on 55 points to Smith's 21st place on 29 points.

"KTM was always quite open and honest that they were going after a top rider," he revealed. "And that meant that the battle was between me and Pol for ride number two in the factory squad.

"He outperformed me on a strong basis last year. This year, in the opening three races, for whatever reason, things just didn't go quite as well as during the race weekends, so race-wise the results weren't that great.

"So it makes sense, you know? It all adds up. It's all okay."

Smith is yet to make the top 15 on race day this year, with the eight points KTM has scored so far all coming courtesy of Espargaro.

But the Brit is convinced he will be able to showcase improved form on his RC16 going forward.

"I seemed to have figured it out the last few weekends," he said. "Everything seems to be going pretty good. Just need to make the right tyre choice a few times and then will be alright."

Smith and Espargaro have been MotoGP teammates since 2014, having both moved to KTM from Tech 3 Yamaha, and the former says the decision changed nothing in the way he'll compete with his teammate.

"Why should it? We're racing, we do what we need to do, we've known each other five years, it's been a hard on-track battle between us for the last five years.

"I wouldn't give an inch if he didn't. It's no different now than it's ever been."

Additional reporting by Lena Buffa