Smith is a serious contender for the 125cc championship.

Oxfordshire's Bradley Smith narrowly missed out on a podium spot in the 125cc Grand Prix at the French MotoGP, finishing fourth.

The 18-year-old was one of the few riders not to fall foul of some difficult conditions at Le Mans.

"We got some good points and we are second in the championship so we can move along to [round 5 at] Mugello in Italy with confidence," said Smith.

The teenager now trails championship leader Julian Simon by 5.5 points.

The Spaniard, who is Smith's Aspar Aprilia teamate, took the race victory at the French circuit having led from the early stages.

Simon was joined on the podium by 15-year-old German Jonas Folger and fellow Aspar rider Sergio Gadea.

The fifth round of the MotoGP championship in Italy takes place over the weekend of 29-31 May.

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