We have known it since yesterday, Iker Lecuona will make his MotoGP debut at the Valencia Grand Prix, with the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team, to replace Miguel Oliveira who is still convalescing. A premature but probably interesting start. The spearhead of the American Racing Team Moto2 will therefore see his KTM driven by American Sean Dylan Kelly for the last Grand Prix of the season.
Here is our translation of the American team's press release.
Iker Lecuona will ride in the MotoGP category in Valencia and the American team will have a second American rider in the last race of the season
Iker Lecuona, the American Racing Team KTM rider, will compete in the MotoGP category at the Ricardo Tormo circuit. The Valencia Grand Prix was going to be Lecuona's last race with the American Racing Team, but the injury to Miguel Oliveira allowed Iker to debut in the MotoGP category, following an opportunity offered by Tech3 Team and as a reward for the work accomplished with the American Racing Team for the past three seasons, including 2019.
As replacement pilot, the American Sean Dylan Kelly, 17, will join the American Racing team for his debut in the Moto2 World Championship. The American Racing Team will participate with 2 American drivers Joe Roberts et Sean Kelly at the last race of the World Championship in Valencia.
Eitan Butbul : “The team was approached by the Tech3 team to offer the possibility of having Iker replace Oliveira on the MotoGP during the last race in Valencia. We were very happy with this opportunity and thought it would show our gratitude to Iker, after 3 seasons together, and we fully agreed to release him to compete in his home race on a MotoGP. As a replacement rider for the Valencia race, the team will have 17-year-old American Sean Dylan Kelly, who will make his Moto2 world championship debut. Sean competed in the Red Bull Rookies Cup for 3 years until 2018, and in 2019 he finished 4th in the MotoAmerica Super Sport with Team Hammer. We thought it would be an amazing opportunity to let him try Moto2 on a race weekend, and at the same time have 2 American riders. This debut, and a wildcard to follow, is the result of a collaboration between American Team and Team Hammer to work together when possible to create career opportunities for young American drivers. »
Iker Lecuona : “Having this opportunity for my home Grand Prix is a proud moment for me. We must take advantage of this great experience, but above all learn as much as possible for the future. All of this would not have been possible without the help and encouragement of Hervé Poncharal, as well as Eitan Butbul and the incredible American Racing Team, who helped me progress as a driver and as a person. I also want to wish the best possible recovery to Oliveira, who will be my teammate next season. I will give my best in Valencia, as always. »
Sean Dylan Kelly, Team Hammer driver: “I've been waiting for this moment my whole career and I have a good idea of what I'm getting into. I'm just going to learn and enjoy the competition and do my best. I'm really grateful to Eitan from American Racing Team KTM for believing in me and giving me this chance. Thanks also to John and Chris Ulrich of Team Hammer for not only having me race on their team, but also for helping me on my journey. »
Chris Ulrich, Vice President of Racing Operations for Team Hammer: “Team Hammer has a reputation for finding, advancing and winning with talented young American racers, then taking them to the next step in their careers professional. We helped Sean understand how to ride a 600, use data and tune a bike during the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport season, his first on a 600 after competing in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup on Moto3s for three years. We are therefore pleased that Sean's performance for our team has given him the opportunity to race as a substitute rider in the Moto2 World Championship in Valencia in just over a week's time. This is just the first step for SDK, and we have agreed to explore possible opportunities for the future with Eitan Butbul, owner of the American Racing Team. I'm proud to be part of it and I'll be in Valencia to support SDK! »
