Smith took third place at the Estoril Grand Prix

Great Britain's Bradley Smith is to move up to Moto2 in 2011 with the France-based Tech 3 Yamaha team.

The Oxfordshire 19-year-old finished second behind Julian Simon in last year's 125cc championship and is guaranteed to finish fourth this year.

Smith said: "I'm really excited and so pleased everything has been sorted out for next season.

"It's the next step in my career and it could not be with a better and more experienced team."

Smith finished in third place in his most recent 125cc Grand Prix at the Estoril circuit in Portugal.

The Tech 3 team have extensive experience of top-class racing, with one of their 2010 MotoGP riders Ben Spies having won the Rookie of the Year award and been promoted to the Fiat Yamaha team as successor to seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi.

He added: "I get the chance to ride the Tech 3 Moto2 bike after the Valencia Grand Prix on Monday and I can't wait.

"Of course I'm nervous about the next step but the Tech 3 team have such experience and success at World Championship level I know they will really help in the transition from 125 to Moto2.

"It's a big step but I'm ready and I'm glad it's all sorted. It's been stressful but I always thought it would happen with Hervé Poncharal and Tech 3."

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