Negotiations continue and the 2018 MotoGP grid is now almost complete. Former Honda and Aprilia rider in this category, Stefan Bradl now rides Superbike for Ten Kate Honda. There was talk of him replacing Jack Miller or Tito Rabat at Marc VDS, but ultimately it was Tom Lüthi who was preferred.
“It would have been nice to ride for them, but I was always realistic and knew there were other candidates, explains Bradl. Tom got the contract and he deserves it. He has been good and consistent for years in Moto2. This must be recognized. I can only congratulate Tom and wish him the best.
“As a MotoGP test rider at KTM, he already has a few kilometers behind him in the 1000 class. You will see how he gets along with the Honda. He certainly has a strong teammate in Franco Morbidelli, with strong competition, which is clear. Tom won't have as much time as in Moto2 to adapt.
Bradl still had an opportunity at Avintia, but he wasn't too excited about it: “ If Siméon is 20th in the Moto2 World Championship and Avintia considers his candidacy, I have to ask the cause. He brings in a lot of money, that’s clear. Such a situation, however, shows that the team does not have the best financial resources.
“Barbera was extremely worse than last year. He had a good season in 2016, this year he was worse. I don't know the reasons exactly. It's extremely difficult if you can't even make yourself understood in English in such a team. How do you want to communicate with people in a decent way? »
“You also have to see that money plays a role from time to time. I certainly won't buy a seat for half a million euros, just to be able to ride in MotoGP. I know how to make money with my money. I prefer to invest my money in real estate, to have more later. »
Photos © Honda Pro Racing
