The extension of the agreement between Johann Zarco and Tech 3 has only just been announced and other contracts have already been finalized, such as the one which will continue to unite Franco Morbidelli with Marc VDS Racing, but the Italian-Brazilian will leave the Moto2 category to join MotoGP. The fate of Jack Miller has not yet been determined, nor that of Tito Rabat.
“Yes, this is settled and will be done,” confirmed Michael Bartholémy, the boss of the Marc VDS team, Thursday at Le Mans to our colleague Günther Wiesinger from speedweek. com. " We have a contract with Franco for next season. Just adjust it to the MotoGP World Championship and increase the caliber slightly…”
The main machines are already awarded for 2018, with two-year contracts for most riders, with notable exceptions including Cal Crutchlow, Jack Miller and Sam Lowes. The leader of the Moto2 World Championship, Franco Morbidelli will join the MotoGP category and will ride a Honda RC213V.
Jack Miller is in his third and final year of contract with Honda, since this manufacturer sought him out in Moto3. “ So far HRC hasn't told us what plans they have for Jack in 2018 “, said Bartholémy. This Honda “third driver” contract, currently held by Miller, would be highly appreciated at LCR for Cal Crutchlow.
What would happen to Tito Rabat if Miller stayed with Morbidelli? “ We do not know it », admitted Bartholémy. Rabat, a paying rider not progressing in MotoGP, could return to Moto2 (like Yonny Hernandez) or head to the World Superbike.
LCR, which wanted to hire Morbidelli alongside Crutchlow next year, Givi appreciating an Italian driver, will have to give it up. Lucio Cecchinello had considered recruiting Takaaki Nakagami, in the absence of Morbidelli, but GIVI would look very favorably on the arrival of Pecco Bagnaia.
Photo © Marc VDS Racing
Source: speedweek. com
