In this 2017 season, there will be a competition within the competition on the starting grid: the one which will pit the LCR team, equipped with a motorcycle with Crutchlow, against the Marc VDS team, against the two machines provided to Jack Miller, pilot HRC, and Tito Rabat. The challenge ? Still being part of Honda in 2018. In an interview with speedweek, the man from Marc VDS, Michael Bartholemy, details the essentials of this duel. With resounding arguments...
The 2016 season was one of surprises with nine different winners. That of 2017 is already marked by changes with new faces within the majority of official structures. As for 2018, it is the dreaded deadline for private teams. And they are already preparing to face it. For some, it will be open war, a merciless duel for the survival of a partnership. So, between the LCR team and Marc VDS Racing.
For what ? Because Dorna insists that the manufacturers Suzuki, Aprilia and KTM have their satellite team. Ducati will therefore have to let go and Honda is already saying that it will model itself on Yamaha. Or just one partner. When reading the numbers engaged, we see that between Lucio Cecchinello et Michael Bartholemy, there is one too many. And both can boast of having already won with an RC213V.
So the choice will not be easy. The Belgians give their feelings about the situation. With deference but also malice… “ If Honda indeed decides to provide only one team in 2018, then it is Lucio Lucio Cecchinello and his LCR team who have the legitimacy to be chosen. They have been partners with Honda longer than us ».
A remark which is in fact a preliminary and not a definitive observation. Because Michael Bartholemy continues: “ our advantage, however, is that we are already assured of being able to finance two motorcycles for the next five years. Our partnership with Marc VDS has been extended until 2021. This is an argument that can be a plus for Honda. But if we're talking about loyalty and fidelity to Honda, then of course the scales lean towards Lucio. This will be a decision to be made by the HRC ».
The results at the end of the 2017 campaign will also count a little. Hence the strong comments of Lucio Cecchinello on Crutchlow to keep until retirement and a wink to Jack Miller whose return would not be a problem. We will also note the updates from Marc VDS Racing regarding a Rabat mobilized for results under penalty of being replaced by Morbidely while Miller is pampered. The major maneuvers for 2018 have well and truly begun.
