LCR Honda aiming to retain Stefan Bradl for 2015

Stefan Bradl’s Honda MotoGP future maybe hanging in the balance, despite LCR boss Lucio Cecchinello’s determination to offer the German a new deal.

The 2011 Moto2 world champion has scored just one podium in 51 premier class appearances and his form in 2014 has been below what HRC was anticipating.

Bradl’s best this season was a fourth position at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas and he has scored top five finishes in Argentina and Catalunya.

Cecchinello told MCN: “We expected more from Stefan this season but also he has been unlucky, so I prefer to wait a couple of more races. From what I can see from the data is that Stefan is a fast rider and he deserves to stay here. I would like to keep him but the performances of Stefan are not good enough for them (HRC), so this situation is under investigation for the future.”

Cecchinello denied being informed by HRC that it wishes the Italian team boss to replace Bradl for 2015, but he added: “They told me that at the moment with the existing performances they are not keen to plan for the future. HRC is aware that Marquez, Lorenzo, Pedrosa and Rossi are really strong. The reality is those four riders have won 99% of the races over the past decade.  HRC expected that Stefan could finish fifth in races but very close to the top four. But not 30 seconds behind.”

Cecchinello denied he had lined up current Moto2 leader Tito Rabat or reigning Moto3 world champion Maverick Vinales as possible replacements for Bradl.
“I haven’t spoken to any riders, including Rabat and Vinales and it is too early to make a plan for next year, “said Cecchinello.