MotoGP: Lorenzo Savadori replaces Bradley Smith at Aprilia for the final three rounds

Aprilia have announced that Bradley Smith will be replaced by Lorenzo Savadori for the rest of the season.

Bradley Smith has raced every race so far this season after Andrea Iannone received an 18-month doping ban. Smith has had some fairly impressive races given his lack of track time in race scenario’s on the Aprilia and finished in P12 at Andalucia, however, he is to be replaced for the final three races.

Savadori dominated the CIV SBK championship, winning 6 x races and taking P2 in 2 more races over an 8 race season, doing so on an Aprilia RSV4, also taking part as the Aprilia MotoGP test rider in place of Smith who was racing for the team instead, therefore it is only fair that he is rewarded for his efforts.

Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola said, “First and foremost, I wish to thank Bradley for his efforts this season. He took one the unexpected role of factory rider with great dignity and outstanding performance, and his contribution was extremely valuable. Now we are excitedly awaiting Lorenzo’s début. This promotion is certainly a reward for his great season as a CIV rider, dominating the Superbike category. But it is also a step of growth for a rider who will be a tester for our RS-GP in 2021 as well. Riding our fledgling project in the race as well will certainly be a step forward for Lorenzo and, therefore, for all of Aprilia Racing.”