The major maneuvers in preparation for the 2018 season have begun for the satellite teams and before talking about drivers, these teams are working to secure a motorcycle, which will be rented to a manufacturer. For this, we must find 2,2 million euros, while on the side ofAprilia and Suzuki, we are looking for an ally. Common interests between the two worlds which, however, do not meet. Here is new proof with Lucio Cecchinello's troops.
Two manufacturers want satellite teams and satellite teams are looking to fix their 2018 future with motorcycles. Enough to find common ground, but it's not that simple. Because the same private teams work first to continue their adventure with the brands they already know.
In this game, it is Ducati which took a head start by building loyalty from the outset Avintia in Austin, while both Pramac andAsparagus ensure that loyalty will not be long in coming. At Tech3, there is no debate with Yamaha so the people from Hamamatsu and Noale are left with two teams. Who love to ride a Honda.
Marc VDS Racing is assured of its budget for two motorcycles which gives it the advantage over an LCR structure which is nevertheless more attractive when reading the general classification of the championship. But that's how it is. Lucio Cecchinello must work to keep a Crutchlow who dreams of a contract with an HRC who is about to negotiate the fate of a Jack Miller taken care of for three years.
The confrontation between the two Honda satellite teams does not stop there: the case of a Morbidely 22-year-old who convinced of his abilities after his triple success during the first three Grands Prix of the year in Moto2. Cecchinello wants his compatriot on a second bike but Bartholomew recalled that he evolved under his wing, going into the details of his commitments. As if to better warn.
Honda's choices will cut this Gordian knot which requires that an official driver, Miller, is at Marc VDS, while another, deprived of the name of Crutchlow, rides with the factory HRC frame. What if LCR found itself in trouble? A boon for Suzuki and Aprilia?
The logic is not so obvious: “ Suzuki and Aprilia have not contacted me since Mugello 2016 » swears the lively transalpine boss who specifies: “ we have a verbal agreement for 2018 and 2019 with HRC. As long as Honda delivers on what they promised, I have no reason to change manufacturers. ". To be continued…
