The WSBK is experiencing a new round of its calendar at Magny-Cours this weekend and the news is happening as much on the track as behind the scenes. On this point, it is from the Honda box that the most intense rumors have come out since it was certain that Bautista will return to Ducati after two disappointing seasons within a project with results far from the ambitions displayed by the world's leading manufacturer. Who will take up the torch of the CBR triple R where everything always seems to have to be redone?
The last seasons follow one another and are unfortunately similar for a manufacturer Honda who takes the risk with each passing competition of damaging his solid reputation. In WSBK, it is all the more damaging as the motorcycles lined up there are from the series. In view of the results displayed over the past two years, HRC cannot really motivate customers eager to ride a sports car to head towards its CBR triple R.
poached at great expense from Ducati, Baptist decided to throw in the towel and return to the Italian brand to once again improve its track record. His teammate Leon Haslam, who is approaching forty, would pinch more in 2022 to experience his national championship. Which would therefore give us two handlebars to take in a risky adventure. A prospect which does not, however, put off a pilot like Tom Sykes who, at 36, did not appreciate learning that he would be replaced next year at BMW by Scott Redding : “ there is a lot of interest in Honda. Everyone knows this brand very well. The project has a lot of potential. My experience and pace would work great there. Let's see what happens ».
Sykes in the ranks but with who at his side?
Sykes being thus identified, what about his teammate? the 35 year old Welshman Chaz Davies including relations with the current Honda team manager Leon Camier go beyond the professional framework is cited. But the person himself only half believes it: “ I keep my ears open to potential possibilities. At the same time, I don't rush anything. I am not sure. There are rumors and there are realities. I think Honda already has a strategy in mind for who should be on the bike. I don't know if I'm on the front line. I'm not sure this is a realistic option, but never say never “, declared the three-time world vice-champion.
This strategy of which Davies speaks concerns the recruitment of two young drivers from the Grands Prix and who are Iker Lecuona et Xavi Verge. To be continued…
