Smith to make MotoGP return at Motegi

The Briton has been left on the sidelines ever since he damaged the ligament in his right knee during a practice crash for the Oschersleben 8 Hours, missing the last three races at Silverstone, Misano and Aragon.

In that time, Smith's place at Tech 3 has been taken by Alex Lowes, although the Yamaha World Superbike regular was forced to sit out the Aragon race after picking up a foot injury himself in practice.

Now, having had surgery on his knee and undergone a comprehensive rehabilitation programme, Smith will be ready to return to riding duties for the Motegi round on 16 October, and should be in action for the final four rounds of the year.

"I am really happy that I will be getting back on the Yamaha YZR-M1 in Motegi," said Smith. "I have to admit that it has been challenging for me to watch the last three races from the sofa on a Sunday, even though it looks like the conditions in those rounds were tough.

"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 ready as quickly as possible.

"In fact, the recovery process was due to be six months but after the efforts by myself, the doctors and everyone else, I managed to do it eight to nine weeks.

"For sure, it’s super that I am fit enough to race again and I am excited for the last four MotoGP events of the 2016 season, including the flyaway races."