Monster Yamaha Tech3 looking to sign Bradley Smith for 2012 MotoGP season – MotoGP news
Monster Yamaha Tech3’s Herve Poncharal is looking forward to pick a new rider for the Tech3 team in 2012 MotoGP season.
Moto2 rookie rider Bradley Smith is one of the names that are being considered by Poncharal.
Smith said, “I'm being considered by Tech 3 to join their MotoGP team next season. Nothing will be finalised at least until after the race in Misano in three weeks' time. I have a lot of thinking to do and decisions to be make.”
Poncharal and his team are pleased with Smith’s performance in the Moto2 class. The German rider has also raced in 125cc class and ended up his season as a runner up in the championship. During his first ten races in the season, Smith has scored three podiums
and a first row start aboard Tech3 bike in the class.
Moto2 rider Smith said, “I'm 20 years old and to be even considered for the elite class is a great honour. I also have to consider staying in Moto2 for another year and fighting for the Championship.”
Currently the Tech3 squad runs with Colin Edwards from Texas and Cal Crutchlow from Britain. Both riders have been far away from success but Colin Edwards has scored a podium at Silverstone.
With his effort in the season and a podium finish, he is the top ranked satellite team rider at ninth in the 2011 MotoGP world championship. Unfortunately, Edwards will come to end his contract by the end of this season. Therefore, there is an empty space
in the Tech3 team for the 2012 season.
On the other side, MotoGP rookie Cal Crutchlow holds a two-year deal with the French Tech3 team. The Brit hit his debut season with a great start but a crash at Silverstone and fractured collarbone hampered his performance.
Later some criticism on his crashing out let him down in the season. However, he will remain the part of Tech3 squad in 2012. Crutchlow is 15th at the moment in the world championship.
In addition to Bradley Smith, Moto2 championship leader Stefan Bradl and Yamaha WSBK team’s Eugene Laverty is also an option for Poncharal for next season.
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