LCR targets regular podium threat from Stefan Bradl

Bradl Italian MotoGP team boss Lucio Cecchinello says he expects Stefan Bradl to be a consistent podium threat in the 2013 MotoGP world championship.

The 2011 Moto2 world champion is in his second season on Honda’s RC213V and with additional factory support from HRC this season, Bradl has been backed to fight for the top three after an encouraging rookie campaign last year.

The German finished eighth overall in 2012 and he was a regular top six finisher with a best of fourth in Mugello when he missed out on a stunning podium after losing a last lap fight with Andrea Dovizioso.

His performances earned him a full factory Honda contract and Cecchinello said in 2013 he needs to be more consistent and competing for the podium on a frequent basis.

Cecchinello told MCN: “Historically in MotoGP there is a learning process. With Casey (Stoner) for example in MotoGP he did quite good when he arrived with us and then definitely the second year he was much better. I expect an improvement form Stefan.  A couple of times last year he missed the podium and this year he needs to be more constant and get some podiums. We definitely want him to build on the confidence of last year and so far it looks positive.”

Bradl ended the pre-season testing schedule in Jerez earlier this week by setting the fifth quickest time overall.

For a 16-page guide to the 2013 MotoGP season, see the April 3 issue of Motor Cycle News