Britain’s Bradley Smith will return to race action at the Silverstone MotoGP round as a replacement for the injured Khairul Idham Pawi.

Smith will join the Petronas Sprinta Moto2 team, for which he races in MotoE, for his home race as Pawi recovers from surgery.

“Honestly, it’s going to be quite strange to jump onto a Moto2 bike for the first time since 2012, because the championship has changed quite a lot,” said Smith.

“I’ve followed the changes very closely with the new engine and a little more torque and power, but it’s still going to be very different for me. I’m excited for the opportunity though.

I had a fantastic time last year at the British Grand Prix, qualified really well, and missed out being able to race in front of the fans, so to be able to turn up for my home race again will be amazing.

“My target for the weekend is to have fun, to do the best I can, and to come away on Sunday with something to be proud of.

“I’ve got no idea how it’ll work, having to learn a bike, a track and tyres on a normal GP weekend, but it’s something I’m very excited for.”