MotoGP movements - Part 2
The 2015 MotoGP paddock is coming together nicely now, here are some more riders that have penned their contracts for next year...
Aleix Espargaro
Suzuki make their MotoGP return next year and have signed the young talent Aleix Espargaro. He's been running on CRT and Open class machinery for the last 3 years and has finally secured himself a factory ride aboard the new Suzuki machine. This year with NGM Forward racing he's picked up a pole position and also a podium, if the Suzuki can do the business it will be interesting to see how far this guy can go.
Maverick Vinales
Vinales makes the move up into MotoGP next year also with Suzuki. The Moto2 and 3 star has been rising through the ranks for a number of years and Suzuki has seen this potential. He currently sits in 3rd in the Moto2 championship and battles for wins every week. Jumping straight onto the brand new full factory Suzuki may be a step to far but I'm sure he'll relish the chance.
Alvaro Bautista
The little Spaniard returns next year with Gresini Racing but in a new guise. The team are moving away from Honda and will be running factory Aprilia next year. Bautista has been a solid rider in the last few years, the Aprilia is certainly a new challenge, but perhaps it will give him a winning edge? Either way he's got the experience to make this work.
Scott Redding
Scott's had sensational rookie year aboard the open class Go and Fun Honda which notably is a slower machine than many of the bikes out there. He's beaten his biggest rivals and made a real name for himself. He had great success in Moto2 with the team MarkVDS and the fact the team have made the step to be with Scott is definitely a good sign. It's not yet confirmed but Scott should be riding an ex-factory RC213V which will give him the extra power required to be fighting at the front...hopefully.
Jack Miller
Making his name in Moto3 this year the Australian super talent is well in the fight for the championship. Due to this he's been picked up by LCR Honda for next year leap frogging the Moto2 class. The move will certainly be challenging but Jack's hard riding style should suit the larger bikes. He'll be riding an Open class Honda alongside teammate Cal Crutchlow on the factory effort.
Eugene Laverty
The Irishman makes the move from World Superbikes in a full switch to Drive M7 Aspar alongside Nicky Hayden. He's had a long career of riding in Worlds and GP but has never had a full MotoGP ride. He's a versatile race winner and is looking forward to the challenge of riding the Open class Honda machine.
Some interesting switches and changes in there with more to come I'm sure. I wonder if more Worlds riders will be tempted into the MotoGP light; time will tell...
My first list of MotoGP movements.
29.09.2014 - Big Ed
