Bradley Smith was very close to claiming his first podium of the 2010 year in the 125cc category at the Gran Premio d’Italia TIM on Sunday, however was just beaten to third spot after battling throughout the event for a stage appearance.

“It’s frustrating but considering the first three races and the fact that the chassis is now there, it’s just down to the other half of the bike to catch up,” Smith explains. “We’re still searching and it’s not through a lack of trying, the other guys have just got slightly better stuff.”

“We have a lot of work to do off the track, over the next two weeks the team has to sit down and try and find some more speed. I’m sure they’re capable of it, this is the Aspar team and they’re not number one in the world for no reason.”

The speed shown by Smith gave an indication of his desires, on lap eight he claimed a new track record with a quick time of 1’58.009. “That showed I had the pace to be there, but when I was just sat on my own and not in anyone else’s slipstream I lost over a second a lap and the guys were able to sit behind me quite easily,” he adds.

“Overall I’m happy. I could’ve done with being on the podium or winning this race, but we’ll leave that for Silverstone and my home GP.”

The sharing of data with colleague Nico Terol is no issue for Smith, he is taking encouraging progress that has occurred since the beginning of the year.

“Everything is exactly the same, our team is open and we’re getting the same treatment on both sides,” he says. “There is always going to be one rider that has a better day than the other, but this has happened on too many occasions now so I really think we need to check over everything because with the long straights at Silverstone that will show it even more. But the good thing is that we’re on the right way forward and we’re climbing so that’s all I can ask for.”