Bradley Smith will refocus his efforts after crashing out of yesterday’s opening race five laps from home.
Oxfordshire’s Smith, 23, who qualified in a superb third place, had moved up to second during the opening laps.
Despite having slipped back into fifth place the Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider was preparing his attack on the leading riders with five laps remaining, when he lost control of the front of his bike and crashed out.
“It wasn’t the ideal way to finish the opening race,” said Smith.
“With five or six laps to go I was determined to try and catch them.
“Unfortunately, I then fell. Now I need to refocus a little bit, taking all the positives out of this weekend and then go to Austin with this new-found confidence and be as competitive there”.
The race was won by Marc Marquez following an absorbing duel with Valentino Rossi, only six weeks after he broke a leg in pre-season.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here