BRADLEY Smith plans to put himself in the shop window this year in a bid to resurrect his MotoGP career.

The 28-year-old, from Forest Hill, spent six seasons in motorcycle racing’s premier class, but has a different role in 2019.

Having joined Aprilia Racing Team Gresini as their test rider, Smith’s job is to help the Italian team climb the constructors’ standings.

While a lot of his work will not be during race weekends, he will have the chance to score points in five wildcard appearances, starting at the season opener in Qatar on March 10.

Smith will also compete in the new MotoE World Cup for One Energy Racing, providing an opportunity to show teams across the MotoGP paddock that he still has what it takes.

“It’s not completely all said and done just because I’m moving into a test ride,” he said.

“I still get to do five races as a wildcard and that’s quite exciting.

“I don’t foresee it as the end, it’s almost like a sidewards-step year and I’m doing everything I can to get myself in there and to have a full-time ride in 2020.”

Smith, who rode for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teams, secured two podium finishes and 547 points.

He also landed three victories across the 125cc and Moto2 classes between 2006-12, leaving him with no regrets.

“If I’m not able to secure a MotoGP ride in 2020, looking back it’s been fantastic and I really never expected anything as successful as this,” said Smith.

“It was a great opportunity and I’m really pleased with everything that has happened.

“There’s so many highlights from the travel, my very first podium at Le Mans (in 2007) and then my first victory (Spain, 2009), my first ride out on a MotoGP bike, my first podium (Australia, 2014) – so many fantastic things.

“I also finally made it as a factory rider.

“I’ve got those leathers and helmet in a case, no-one can take that away from me.

“I had a great career and now working for another factory team, they want me to develop and bring the bike forward from my experience at KTM.

“Hopefully I can steer them to the top six and that’s another massive honour in itself. I’m taking it seriously.”