Smith and Crutchlow to continue status quo
Contract extensions for the two Britons, who look set to continue their 'satellite' battle into 2016Bradley Smith and Cal Crutchlow will remain with their respective teams in the 2016 MotoGP title: Monster Yamaha Tech 3 and CWM LCR Honda respectively.
For Smith, the contract extension comes as he's on his most successful MotoGP season to date, where he has finished no lower than eighth so far and is fifth overall in the standings.
Next season will be the Briton's fourth in the premier class.
“Obviously, I am really pleased to be able to continue this journey with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team and it's fantastic news to re-sign for another season," said Smith, who won the 2015 Suzuka 8-Hour alongside Espargaro and Japan's Katsuyuki Nakasuga — Yamaha's first win in 19 years. "We will be going into our sixth year together and I must say that it is certainly nice to be giving the guys the results and performances that they deserve at the moment.
"So far in 2015, I have been finishing where we want to be which is very positive, as I'm sure that I am in debt to them for the first two years in the premier class!
"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 am optimistic that this will give the satellite riders more of a chance to be competitive."
Smith's best MotoGP result remains his third place in last year's Phillip Island race.
Cal Crutchlow will extend his cooperation with HRC and LCR, managed by Lucio Cecchinello, with a further option for 2017.
Based on the Isle of Man, 29-year-old Crutchlow has so far claimed 74pts this season aboard the factory-spec Honda RC213V, including a podium finish in Argentina.
"I am very happy to continue my relationship with LCR for 2016 and 2017," said Crutchlow. "Lucio has a fantastic team and I look forward to growing further with them and with Honda. We started the season well and I believe we can score some great results in the rest of this year and in the season to come."
The 2015 MotoGP season continues at Silverstone from August 28-30.
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