The Belgian team of Marc van der Straten and Michael Bartholémy made an excellent off-season recruitment, with Moto2 World Champion Franco Morbidelli, his runner-up Tom Lüthi and fourth Alex Marquez. Hiring the reigning Moto2 champion necessarily implies a comparison which is not easy with Johann Zarco, author of an extraordinary rookie season in MotoGP in 2017.
“It’s a question I’m often asked., recognizes Bartholémy, but I don't believe we can achieve the same results. The Honda is not necessarily the ideal motorcycle for beginners. It is a little complicated to pilot, it requires some experience. But on the other hand it is also the World Champion motorcycle. Today the grid has 10 factory drivers, so if you finish just behind, it's not so bad. This was actually the objective that we had set with Jack and we were very close to it despite a withdrawal. So if I can end up in these waters with franc, for a first season it would already be good. Regarding Tom, I would like to see him reach the top 15. »
Why did you choose Franco Morbidelli and Tom Luthi ?
“Franco’s choice was quite clear. The team's goal is to obtain the best results with our Moto2 riders, and then bring them into our MotoGP structure. In 2016, we had already had a good season with Franco and in the process, the latter won the title. So we wanted to have him with us in MotoGP and we were able to find a two-year agreement, which is great. »
“For the second pilot, we were convinced to keep Jacks. It seemed well underway, but then there were a few small problems. Jack was directly under HRC contract. We did everything to keep it, even if there were things we weren't able to change. Finally he decided to sign with Pramac. We therefore had to move towards another pilot and the transfer market was already well underway. It turns out that in recent years we've often fought against Tom in Moto2, so we said to ourselves: "After all, why not him?" » I had seen him riding in Austria with the KTM, from there everything happened quickly. Honestly, I'm happy with our choice. »
Your contract with Honda expires at the end of the year. Where are you in the discussions?
“I think we've done a good job with Honda over the last three seasons and they've always kept their promises. But from now on we have a one-year contract and not three. Since Valencia, there have been some changes at home. To see what they can offer us next, if we will have factory motorcycles again, as was the case in the past. Everything will be decided around April/May. The only thing I would like is a little stability with a long-term contract that unites us with Honda or any other manufacturer, because it puts less pressure. »
Due to his injury, Tom starts with a slight delay compared to the rest of the field as he was absent during the two tests in November. Is he fully recovered?
“It’s true that with Tom, we got off on the wrong foot a bit indeed. His Sepang injury caused him to miss the first tests, but from the start of the year, we were able to organize training sessions in Spain, whether in Supermoto, motocross, or flat-track. I now hope that we can make up for this delay as quickly as possible, during the tests planned in Sepang, Thailand and Qatar. It's about having the best possible package for the first Grand Prix in Qatar. »
Franco Morbidelli was able to ride the Honda for four days. How did these tests go? What are your impressions after its first laps?
“Franco actually had the opportunity to ride with us at the end of the season and from the first tests I was quite happy with his performance. With the bike we had in 2017, he was almost already in the same times as those achieved by Tito after two years. »
Photo © Marc VDS
Source: Full interview on motogp.com /Dorna
