The factory Aprilia MotoGP team has confirmed outgoing KTM rider Bradley Smith will become its official test rider next year.
Smith stepped up to the premier class in 2013 with the Tech3 Yamaha squad, before becoming a factory rider in 2017 for KTM's first season in MotoGP as a works entrant.
The Briton struggled in the opening half of the campaign, and his place at KTM came under threat despite having a two-year contract.
An upturn in form saw him retained for this year, though has continued to struggle, scoring on just five occasions from the first 12 races.
After losing his place to Johann Zarco for next year, Smith turned his attention to securing one of the SIC Petronas Yamahas, though was ultimately passed over in favour of Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo.
Originally contemplating retirement if he could not find a race seat, Smith changed his outlook and began seeking out roles as a test rider.
He confirmed during the British Grand Prix weekend he was weighing up roles with Yamaha and Aprilia, though it was thought the latter was likely to be his main option as he wanted five wildcard appearances, which Yamaha is unable to do as per the concession rules.
In a press release confirming his signing, Aprilia says he will take part in a “series” of wildcards, though it is unknown if they will grant him the five he requested.
Smith had been in frame for a role as a test rider with KTM, but the Austrian marque stated it would be scaling back its wildcard outings from next year due to the test team becoming too distracted.
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