Smith had been linked with a move up to the new Moto2 series

Bradley Smith has signed a deal to remain in 125cc racing next season with the Spanish Aspar Aprilia team.

The Oxfordshire 18-year-old, who had been linked with move to the new Moto2 class, was runner-up in this season's 125cc world championship.

"Obviously my goal from that very first grand prix will be to go one better and win that championship," Smith said.

"It won't be easy because you earn a world title by winning races and the 125cc class produces the unexpected."

Smith will be joined in the Valencia-based Aspar team by Spaniard Nico Terol, who finished third in the championship.

"I'm really happy to be staying with such a brilliant team as Aspar which can only get better for me. Nico Terol may be my new team-mate but he will push me really hard as he did this year," he said.

"Somebody like Pol Espargaro or Marc Martinez will emerge from the pack and become a title contender but after this fantastic end to the season for me I'll start the year with real confidence."

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