Want to take on Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez? It's possible!
There are currently 21 motorcycles registered in the MotoGP category. KTM is contractually committed to entering two new bikes in 2017, bringing the total to 23.
The stated objective is 24 registrations in the premier category in 2017. Consequently, it was decided to encourage teams possibly interested in the remaining place to make themselves known.
Any team wishing to be considered for this opportunity should, in the first instance, contact the IRTA via Mike Trimby with a concise summary of their history and credentials. Teams considered to be potential candidates will then provide additional details on the conditions of participation in this category and must present their complete and detailed project.
The final decision will be made by the Selection Committee comprising delegates from the FIM, Dorna and IRTA.
The maximum date to submit an expression of interest is Friday April 29, 2016.
Analysis:
Concretely, the selected team must first have an agreement with a manufacturer to have one (in fact two) motorcycles.
Yamaha, Honda and Ducati have the right to refuse since they already equip at least one satellite team. KTM as well because it will be their first year.
Suzuki, on the other hand, would be obliged to accept, according to the regulations. This is a possibility that will no doubt be considered carefully, if only on the Avignon side...
Another possibility, a manufacturer who would have no obligation, randomly Ktm, could also field a satellite team with a single motorcycle, still randomly, managed by Aki Ajo and driven by an Avignon resident...
Then, we enter into more random hypotheses such as for example could be a brand new project initiated by the CarXpert team for Tom Luthi with an Akira/Kawasaki.
The return of Forward Racing to the premier category is also still possible, our experience in the paddock having taught us to never say never...
Finally, we can always imagine a very exotic but richly endowed team, as the Americans or even the Chinese know how to do, but which would only be there to encourage the audience of the Grands Prix.
