LONDON (Reuters) – Fresh-faced teenagers Scott Redding and Bradley Smith are charged with the daunting task of providing Britain’s first motorcycling world champion in 32 years.

Not since the late Barry Sheene took the world title in the 500cc category in 1977 has a Briton been champion. Now, the quest which many experienced men have failed is in the hands of the two graduates from Spain’s motorcycling academy.

Redding is 16 and the youngest rider to win a grand prix; Smith is 18 and third in the world championship standings halfway through the season.

“I’ve always said I want to be top Brit, I want to be top of the list,” a confident Redding told Reuters ahead of Sunday’s British grand prix.

Along with compatriot Danny Webb, the two riders graduated from the Spanish MotoGP academy to compete in the fiercely competitive 125cc class, racing at speeds of up to 220kph.

So far it is Redding and Smith who have made the headlines.

Second place in the Spanish championship in 2007 earned Redding a place in the 125cc world series the following year, which he marked with a dream scenario win on home soil at Donington Park.

At 15 years and 170 days he became the sport’s youngest grand prix winner and his capabilities were recognised with the 2008 rookie of the year award in his first season.

“It was almost like an accident (winning)…it’s not something you expect to happen at your home grand prix in your first year,” he told reporters.

TITLE FIGHT

Inexperience and bike problems have meant similar success has not been forthcoming this season for the Blusens Aprilia rider with a fourth place in Spain his best result.

“I really just want to make it up to everyone because I feel like I’ve disappointed them a bit really because I haven’t done anything this year,” Redding added.

Smith also landed the coveted rookie award after making his world championship debut in 2006 with the Repsol Honda factory team following an impressive season in Spain.

Three campaigns later and after poles and podiums but no win, Smith is beginning to deliver after a switch to the highly successful Bancaja Aspar set-up.

Victories in Spain and Italy have propelled him into a championship title fight with Spanish team mates Julian Simon and Sergio Gadea this year.

“Me, Scott and Danny are doing a great job at the moment, I think that is down to the Spanish Academy that we have all gone to in 2005. Those sort of things open doors,” Smith, mature beyond his 18 years, told Reuters.

Britain has had plenty of riders in recent years who have raised expectations but failed to deliver on the world stage because of a lack of financial backing or an uncompetitive bike.

The latest is James Toseland who is still adjusting to life in MotoGP at the wrong end of the standings after Superbike title success.

FAN BASE

The picture paints a stark contrast to Formula One where Lewis Hamilton is world champion and Jenson Button reigns this season, but Smith is confident times are changing.

“The fan base is increasing every time (we come to Britain), the passion for bikes and the out-and-out interest isn’t quite the same as Spain, Italy or Germany, but it’s getting there.”

Fast-tracked by promoters Dorna, keen to boost British interest in the series, the polite Smith is obviously doing the job.

“There are avenues now for British drivers,” Smith, who rides with a Spanish team and sponsors, added.

“I’m looking to go to Moto2 (second series) next year and hopefully the door stays open for a British rider in a few more years’ time to go to MotoGP. I’d quite happily fill that spot.”

The MotoGP calendar stops at Donington this Sunday for the last time before a switch to Silverstone next season with pressure on all the Britons to do well in their class.

“There’s been a lot of pressure because I won it last year but I can’t let it get to me,” Redding said. “If it happens (a repeat win) it would be unbelievable.

“Sometimes you just like a bit of breathing space and want to be a normal person but it’s great for your profile and the profile of the sport,” Smith said.

“Finally it’s your chance to really show live to the home crowd, this is me, this is what I can do, this is where I am,” Smith added.

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