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The result was Smith's second podium place of the season

Bradley Smith secured a career-best second place in the rain-affected French 125cc Grand Prix at Le Mans.

Having started second on the grid, a poor start put him back in ninth when the race was halted by rain on lap 14.

At the resumption, grid positions for the five-lap mini-race were decided by where they had been when the rain came.

Leaders Esteve Rabat and defending world champion Gabor Talmacsi crashed out allowing Smith to go in front, only to be passed by winner Mike de Meglio.

The Frenchman became the first home winner at Le Mans since 1982, and moved to the top of the championship on 74 points, eight ahead of Nicolas Terol, who finished third in the race, and Simone Corsi.

"I took advantage of my second opportunity," said Smith afterwards.

"In the first race I made a mistake but I made sure I didn't make it twice. I have to thank the team who got the bike working after my crash this morning."

Danny Webb finished the race in 21st place, while Scott Redding did not take part in the re-started race.

French 125cc Grand Prix result (5 laps):

1 M De Meglio (Fr) Derbi 8:10.046 sec
2 B Smith (GB) Aprilia 8:10.711
3 N Terol (Sp) Aprilia 8:11.449

Championship standings:

1 M Di Meglio (Fr) 74 pts
2 N Terol (Sp) 66
3 S Corsi (It) 61

French 250cc Grand Prix result:

1 A Debon (Sp) Aprilia 47 mins 27.406 secs
2 M Simoncelli (It) Gilera 47:32.222
3 M Pasini (It) Aprilia 47:32.404

Championship standings:

1 M Kallio (Fin) 93 pts
2 M Pasini (Ita) 77
3 A Debon (Sp) 59