Next year, Honda will compete in WSB with a brand new motorcycle, as well as a new teammate for current rider Nicky Hayden. Stefan Bradl will leave the MotoGP Aprilia effort to join Hayden at the Honda factory-supported Ten Kate team, replacing Michael van der Mark (who is joining Crescent Yamaha).
Bradl won the 2011 Moto2 championship, but struggled at the MotoGP level (in part, due to uncompetitive machinery beneath him). With the new superbike beneath him and Hayden next year, Honda could pose a formidable threat for consistent podiums, if not race wins.
Here is a quote from Bradl:
“I’m really happy to join the Honda WorldSBK Team for the 2017 season,” Bradl said. “It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to this new challenge with a really competitive team and I’m sure we’ll do great things together. Of course, this is going to be a whole new experience for me but I will try to adapt as quickly as possible, in order to get some really good results. I can’t wait to try the Fireblade and, obviously, it’ll be fantastic to work together with Nicky: I think it’s a fantastic combination because we understand each other really well. We can all look forward to the future and I am super motivated for this new journey.”
See more of MD’s great photography:
I think Bradl and Bautista could consider themselves unlucky given their progress on the all new Aprilia MotoGP machine this year. They’ve been in and about the second string Ducatis & Yamaha bikes, and beyond the reach of the second string Hondas almost all the time.
There’s alot to be said for guys that can bring a bike home every race, especially on a bike being developed. I’m pretty sure they’ve been as high as sixth at the chequered flag.
Just not getting lapped in MotoGP means you are part of a very elite club that none of us could ever be in. These guys, even those on the last row, are all blindingly fast.
I’d expect he’ll do pretty well in WSB for Honda. He knows the tracks, he’s not in the twilight of his career as much as Hayden is, Hayden will be a good partner for him.
No one’s commented on the umbrella girl yet? Maybe it’s because she’s a night-shift one (a few friends have a band called Day Shift Strippers to keep expectations low, so kind of like that). She does look kind of satisfied with something though, like maybe she just let a little toot? Hmmmm
Funny, like the smile of the KTM guy last time.
LOL I wasn’t going to say anything but when I first saw the pic I thought she was bored holding an umbrella for a guy at night when their is no sun and it’s not raining.
Then too he looks like he is thinking, great here comes another 15th place finish.
Lol!
I’m excited about the new Honda CBR and the Team line up.
A new bike supposedly and two ex-GP riders… that is exciting indeed.
Bradl was making progress as Suzukis factory rider when he first came up to MotoGP, getting the Suzuki close to podium at times.,but seems to have struggled since then. I hope he does well in WSBK although getting on the podium there is not going to be much easier, but I think he can get closer there than he is getting in MotoGP these days.
I thought he started his Premier Class career with LCR Honda? He was rookie of the year in 2012 with whichever team he was riding for. I also remember he and Crutchlow routinely harassing Rossi the year Rossi moved back to Yamaha, definitely with LCR then.
You are right Jeremy, I was thinking of Alvaro Bautista. There was that whole class of up and comers showing promise, Bradl, Bautista, Crutchlow, Simoncelli and Dovisioso. I just got confused. Happening more and more these days unfortunately. Used to have such a mind for these things. It scares me.
Can”t believe collectively this class hasn’t had better showings. The old guys are still showing them the way around the track. Well a couple of old guys and Marquez lol.
Boy I have been stuck in the moderation barrel lately. Reply coming eventually Jeremy.
You and me both. Seems like they’ve been staying in there much longer than usual as well.
Wishing the best for this team. They’ve got their work cut out for them, considering the competition. Hoping these two riders and Honda’s new bike are a winning combination.
IIRC last year Kawasaki’s SB qualifying time would have put them mid pack on the MotoGP grid at the same track. A modified street bike vs. purpose built race bikes. Incredible.