by Julian Shea

Smith has dealt well with the step-up in class

Like many teenagers, at the weekend Bradley Smith likes nothing more than riding his bike.

But what sets Smith apart is that rather than riding round the local park, he rides round some of the most famous racetracks in the world.

The 15-year-old from Oxfordshire is coming to the end of his first season riding for Repsol Honda in the 125cc world championships, and told BBC Sport it had been an eventful few months.

"I thought things were hectic in the build-up to the season, doing interviews and things, but it's nothing compared to the racing side of things," he said.

Last year Smith got a taste of the jet-set lifestyle competing in the Spanish 125cc championships, but this year his riding has taken him as far afield as Qatar, China and Australia.

But anyone expecting him to be overawed by the experience would be wrong.

"Halfway through the season, when I was still finishing about 20th, I thought: 'I know I can do better than I am doing, but it's not easy'," he said.

"Once I focused on the 'it's not easy' bit, I was more clear-headed and ready to ride properly."

I always felt I was maybe letting the team down. Now I feel I've picked up the pace and I'm doing Repsol justice

As the season has gone on, the change has become clear, with two consecutive 12th place finishes.

Then, just as things were coming together, the wheels came off.

Or rather Smith did, in qualifying for the Czech Grand Prix.

"We were trying a harder rear tyre, but it never really heated up and was sliding everywhere.

"I tried too hard, lost the rear and high-sided.

"When I came down I was fine, but as I slid towards the gravel the bike caught up with me, landed on my wrist and broke my radius and metacarpal."

That was the only blot on the copybook this season, and even then it could have been worse, as a gap in the calendar meant he only missed one race.

And his second race back, in Japan, saw him claim his best finish yet, in eighth place. With two races left, he seems to be peaking just as the season is ending.

But such is his youthful enthusiasm, he sees this as a good thing.

Bradley (in purple) and other riders try Aboriginal dancing in Australia

"The end of the season is always the best time to improve," he said.

"People who've been there a few more years than me might look towards the end of the season and wind down, but I'm winding up."

The Repsol Honda camp has been the place to be this season, with the team's MotoGP riders Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa regular fixtures on the winner's podium.

And Smith says the team gave him great support when he was injured.

"If I was with another team or in my second year, maybe I would have panicked, but the team were so reassuring - that support kept me from worrying."

For someone who is not taking his GCSEs until next summer, Smith has a remarkably old head on young shoulders.

"No-one ever said it, but I always felt I was maybe letting the team down because everyone else was doing so well," he said.

"But now I feel I've picked up the pace and I'm doing Repsol justice."

And senior figures in the camp seem happy to have Smith on board.

"I've spent quite a bit of time with Dani. He came up the same route I have, so he's always been a bit of a role model.

Bradley has come through some scrapes in his debut season

"And Nicky and his dad always check up on how things are going - when people like that ask about you, the feeling is unbelievable."

When presented with the opportunity Smith has had this season, some teenagers might be happy just to go along for the ride - literally.

But characteristically, he takes things more seriously than that.

"The thing I've enjoyed most is battling and fighting on the track- afterwards you're worn out, but it's so much fun.

"Racing guys you looked at on TV last year and being able to pass them is so enjoyable - I never thought I'd be able to do it, it's inspiring."

But when the season finishes, there is the minor detail of school to deal with.

"I'll be lost and probably a bit bored going back to school, but it's necessary - I've got coursework to catch up on," he said.

"I'm still keeping my hand in with Motocross for training, mountain biking and golf.

"In the winter, it'll be nice to play the things I used to before the season.