Bradley Smith produced his best display of the season to secure a podium finish in yesterday’s MotoGP race at Silverstone.

The 19-year-old, from Forst Hill, Oxford, has been forced to endure a number of disappointments in the opening four rounds of this year’s 125cc championship.

But things came right for Smith yesterday in front of a massive crowd at the AirAsia British Grand Prix to take third place.

Starting from second on the grid, Smith produced a great ride to pick up 16 valuable points.

“It is something I will treasure for a long time,” said the Briton.

“It is something like fifth time lucky for me because I have never managed to get on the podium before here.

“It’s great to finally get a top-three finish after so many disappointments this year.

“It’s not only my first podium of the season, but also my first at the British Grand Prix,“ explained Smith, who held onto fourth in the World Championship standings.

“It was a fierce battle for third and I took advantage after a clash between my teammate Nico Terol and Efren Vazquez.

“I got a fantastic reception from the crowd on the cooling down lap and it has been a very special day on the return of Grand Prix racing to my home circuit.”

Marc Márquez won the race after a fierce battle with compatriot Pol Espargaro, which saw the riders twice touch wheels on the last lap.

The main race was won by Jorge Lorenzo , who started on pole and always looked like the winner.