Stefan Bradl thrilled by LCR Honda’s two-year MotoGP deal – MotoGP news
2011 Moto2 Champion Stefan Bradl made a stunning move to the MotoGP class after signing a two-year deal with the LCR Honda team.
The German rider apparently intended to stay with the Kiefer team and race in Moto2 championship, but a tempting deal was irresistible for him.
Initial his Moto2 team planned to step up into MotoGP world championship but the budget was immense to lease a Honda RC213V for the 2012 premier class seasons. The next season holds the comeback of 1000cc power plants and it increases the budget.
Bradl said, “If I had the chance I would have already signed two months ago. These chances don't come around too often, so I will do it now and I'm very happy about it. Another year in Moto2 would be good for me but now I have the chance I had to take it.”
Earlier in the season, Bradl lost hopes of moving to MotoGP level as the Kiefer team failed cope up with the expenses.
Following the issue and having no attractive deal from a MotoGP team he aimed to continue for another season in the intermediate class.
After the season finale event at Valencia, he was called in to take a test ride for the LCR Honda team. The satellite Honda team had 2010 Moto2 Champion, Toni Elias in the squad for 2011 MotoGP season.
Unfortunately, Elias spent a rough season in the premier class and departed from the squad by the end of the 2011 season.
The team was left with no rider for the 2012 season and was tempted to sign up the Moto2 champion, Bradl.
Bradl conducted his first test session aboard a MotoGP prototype after the Valencia Grand Prix. He initially rode the 800cc RC212V machine at the Ricardo Tormo circuit.
It was done to give him confidence and understanding of the top-class racing machine. During the initial test day, he posted a lap time of 1 minute and 34.330 seconds and was placed ninth in the time sheet.
On the following final day, he improved his lap time by few tenths and recorded 1 minute and 34.142 seconds. Though he improved his lap time but took tenth position in the final time sheet for the two-day session.
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