A TALENTED young motorbike racer from Yate says it is his dream to compete in the MotoGP one day.

Luke Hedger, 14, has had a successful year so far and is in contention to win the ThundersportGB GP3 Championship in his first season riding 125cc bikes.

His stunning performances were rewarded when he was selected for the MotoGP Redbull Rookies Championships trial in Spain, where 14 places were up for grabs to compete against the best young riders in the world in what is essentially the MotoGP academy.

Hedger was one of 100 14 to 16-year-olds vying for selection, but his chances were hit at the Monte Blanco circuit near Seville when he experienced problems with the bike and he now hopes to get another chance next year.

However, just being selected was a huge achievement and he hopes to get another chance next year.

And the setback has not stopped him chasing his dream of competing with hero Jorge Lorenzo in the MotoGP.

“He’s such a good rider and that is who I’d like to be like,” said Hedger.

“Hopefully I will be there one day.

“It was a really good experience going over to Spain, but unfortunately I didn’t get through.

“I thought I would do alright but there were a lot of talented people there.”

Hedger has raced at some of the best tracks in the country in the GP3 Championship including Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Snetterton.

He was leading before last weekend but the Redbull Rookies trial gave him little time to prepare for the last round at Anglesey, where he came off his bike in two of the races and finished sixth in the other.

Despite falling behind in the main championship, Hedger is leading the Championship cup and the confident youngster still believes he can still clinch the championship with two rounds remaining, the last of which takes place at Donington Park.

He said: “I’m pleased with the way it’s going. I can still win the Championship and the cup which would be very good.”

Hedger started racing in 2006 and he came second in the minimoto British Championship and sixth in the MiniGP 50cc.

In his second year he finished third in the minimoto championship and fourth in the metrakit 70cc championship and then raced for half a year in the 80cc metrakit championship before a long break as his parents were unable to find extra funding.

His older brother Dan has also had success, but he is now having a break after racing in three rounds of the Junior Superstock 600 last year, with the family supporting Luke this year.

Mum Julie said: “We’ve done all the funding ourselves but it’s getting to be a struggle and we can’t afford to do it.”

“If we can’t get the sponsorship then he might have to pack it in, which is a shame because he’s got the talent.”

If anyone is interested in sponsoring Luke, contact Julie Hedger on 01454 325416.