TEN talented Oxfordshire youngsters set off on the long path to the MotoGP World Championship this weekend.

The group of rising stars, aged between six and 12 years old, are in action at round one of the British Mini Bike Championship in Lydd, Kent.

The competition is regarded as the first step towards the ultimate goal of MotoGP, with young riders given a first taste of racing in a safe and controlled environment across eight stages.

Oxfordshire’s representatives include three sets of siblings: Harley and Preston Baker, aged 12 and seven respectively, Austin and Byron Johnson – who have been riding bikes since they were four and two years old – plus Ronnie Harris (14) and brother Bill (12).

They are joined by Aeziah Divine (12), nine-year-old Matthew Thomas, Daisy Polden, aged eight, and Rex Austin (seven).

Witney Gazette: From left: Oxfordshire youngsters Aeziah Divine, Harley Baker, Byron Johnson, Preston Baker, Daisy Polden, Rex Austin, Austin Johnson and Matthew Thomas during pre-season testing in Spain Picture courtesy of Nick Harris

From left: Oxfordshire youngsters Aeziah Divine, Harley Baker, Byron Johnson, Preston Baker, Daisy Polden, Rex Austin, Austin Johnson and Matthew Thomas during pre-season testing in Spain Picture courtesy of Nick Harris

MotoGP Championship winners like Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez began their racing careers on Mini Bikes, but these youngsters can look closer to home for inspiration.

Nine-time world champion Mike Hailwood, one of the greatest motorcycle racers in history, lived in Boars Hill, just outside Oxford.

Meanwhile, Oxford-born Bradley Smith started as a schoolboy motocross rider and was sixth in the 2015 World Championship, having been runner-up in the 2009 125cc World Championship, with three grand Prix victories.

The 31-year-old said: “It teaches you so much about both racing and yourself and prepares you for everything that lies ahead.

“I wish them the very best of luck and will follow their progress with great interest.

“Hopefully, we will be watching them in the MotoGP World Championship in around ten years’ time.”

After graduating from the British Mini Bike Championship the next step is the FIM MiniGP series, organised by MotoGP promoters Dorna, which includes national championships as far afield as India, Australia, and Japan.