Present this weekend in Misano, we crossed paths with Hervé Poncharal who gave us an update on the situation on his driver Bradley Smith injured in the knee and on the one who replaced him and will replace him again for this Grand Prix of San Marino: Alex Lowes.
Rumor has it that Bradley Smith had ligament surgery and his return would be delayed?
It's not a rumor. Bradley Smith underwent surgery on ligaments in his injured knee on Wednesday. There were no other solutions because his knee was practically no longer supported. From there you have to wait 48 hours to find out what happens next. It was the only possible option. He was operated on by an English specialist who takes care of Premier League football players when they have this type of problem. He remains confident that Bradley will return before the end of the season. If that were the case, it would be for Australia at the earliest.
So we should see Alex Lowes' freelancing continue?
The agreement with Alex covers Silverstone and Misano. His priority is WSBK and he is a Yamaha Motor Europe rider. It is on this basis that a decision will be made. Already, Yamaha Motor Europe which has the contract with Alex was not very keen to continue the experience here in Misano. It must be said that he will then continue with the Superbike next week at the Lausitzring, then there will be the MotoGP in Aragon and then again the Superbike in France. I understand that it can be a lot. So of course, the ideal would be to continue with Alex. But there is nothing certain beyond Misano and everything will depend on his will and his ability to persuade vis-à-vis Yamaha Motor Europe.
Precisely, the man from Yamaha Motor Europe Eric de Seynes will be present in Misano… The opportunity to talk about it?
Yes, Eric de Seynes does us the honor of coming to Misano. There will also be representatives from Yamaha Corporation Japan, there will be discussions. The question will be asked. But frankly there is nothing acquired at all for Aragon.
This situation must arouse the interest of many other pilots?
A good free Yamaha M1 obviously arouses interest and I actually have many calls from riders. I won't give you the list! For me the priority and the natural choice would be to keep Alex Lowes for one more race.
Alex made a very good impression at Silverstone and he was not that far from his teammate Pol Espargaró…
Alex was efficient and intelligent at Silverstone in complicated conditions that were difficult to manage. It was cold, it rained, it was dry, it was a great Grand Prix. Now we must not declare victory too soon. Misano will truly reveal the levels. We will have three days without rain and Alex will compete among the best drivers in the world without knowing everything about brakes and tires. We will then take a step back from Pol. Misano will be the justice of the peace and give a clearer picture and I think Pol will be more in front. I think he's a long way from Pol yet and we should see him this weekend.
