LCR pondering 2015 expansion plans

LCR Honda is once again exploring the option of expansion to a two-rider effort in 2015.

Lucio Cecchinello’s Monaco-based squad has run as a one-rider effort ever since it joined MotoGP back in 2006 with Casey Stoner.

But Cecchinello has always expressed interest in running a two-rider project to try and develop a young rider, and he’s currently investigating the option to run a production Honda RCV1000R alongside his factory RC213V currently being raced by Stefan Bradl.

HRC is planning a big upgrade of its RCV1000R for next season, with a more powerful pneumatic valve motor in the pipeline.

Cecchinello told MCN: “I have always wanted a two rider team because I believe our structure can support it. But we want a clear goal, which would be to give an opportunity to a young rider. I am not interested in a rider to bring a sponsor or for some political reason. We have never done that and I want to keep giving young riders opportunities. It is my dream to run a two rider team next year and we are talking with potential sponsors about that.”

One issue for LCR is that Honda won’t make any extra RCV1000R machines available for next season and will stick to the current entry of four.

Aspar and Gresini have already confirmed they will continue with the RCV1000R, so Cecchinello might not have a bike on offer if Karel Abraham’s Cardion AB also opt to carry on.