Oxfordshire star Bradley Smith has signed a new deal with the Spanish-based Aspar team to spearhead their efforts to retain the World 125cc Championship.

This year, Smith came so close to matching Britain’s last world champion, Barry Sheene, but eventually finished runner-up to his Aspar teammate Julian Simon.

The 18-year-old from Forest Hill secured his sixth consecutive podium finish, a second place at the final round in Valencia, having won two grands prix earlier this season.

He will be joined in the Valencia-based Aspar team by Spaniard Nico Terol, who finished third in the championship.

Smith said: “Obviously my goal from that very first grand prix will be to go one better and win that World Championship.

“It will not be easy because you don’t chase it but earn a world title by winning grands prix and the 125cc class always produces the unexpected.

“Nico Terol will push me really hard as he did this year.”

“But after this fantastic end to the season for me I’ll start the year with real confidence.

“I’m really happy to be staying with such a brilliant team as Aspar."