LCR Honda confirm talks with John Hopkins, Randy de Puniet for 2012 – MotoGP news
LCR Honda boss Lucio Cecchinello has confirmed talks with John Hopkins and Randy de Puniet for the 2012 MotoGP season.
The present LCR rider Toni Elias has been through a tough season.
The Spanish rider has not been able to achieve desirable results from the RC212V this season. Though he had spent a lot time working hard to improve his pace but he has not secured steady top ten slots.
Lucio Cecchinello talked to MCN and said, “We are in contact with John Hopkins and with Randy de Puniet. We still have an excellent relationship with Randy and especially after this year we understood it was a pity to stop our working relationship last year.”
The British Superbike racer is being considered due to his vast experience in MotoGP with Suzuki and Kawasaki. Before ending his last season in MotoGP, he was riding as a factory Kawasaki rider.
Looking at the other option, Randy de Puniet has rode LCR for three seasons. By the end of last season, he moved to Pramac Racing whereas LCR chose Elias.
The LCR team boss also said that he has not yet contacted Alvaro Bautista and Stefan Bradl, as they also have a good potential in the field. His priority is to hire Andrea Dovizioso who has shown amazing improvement with the new RC212V. His experience with
a factory RCV is the biggest advantage for him.
If Andrea Dovizioso accepts a deal from Suzuki or Tech3, then the LCR will be opting between Hopper and Puniet. It is reported that Dovizioso’s manager has been engaged with the Tech3 and Suzuki factory teams.
Cecchinello said, “Honestly speaking after a tough season like this year, we would like to race with an experienced MotoGP rider. I’m not saying Bradl will not be fast in MotoGP but maybe he needs learning time and in our position it is really important
to show to our sponsors an interesting plan and project.”
After HRC’s budget cut down, Dovizioso has been set free for the 2012 choice. Now considering his talent with the Honda machine, both HRC and LCR Honda are willing to keep Dovizioso for the next season.
The 2012 season will be run with 1000cc engines so it is more beneficial to get an experienced rider.
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