© Bruce Allen June 6, 2018
Who’s Under Contract for 2019: Updated after Mugello
Repsol Honda: Marc Marquez, JORGE LORENZO
Movistar Yamaha: Valentino Rossi, Maverick Viñales
Factory Ducati: Andrea Dovizioso, DANILO PETRUCCI
Suzuki ECSTAR: Alex Rins, JOAN MIR
Factory Aprilia: Aleix Espargaro
Red Bull KTM: Pol Espargaro, Johann Zarco
Tech 3 KTM: Miguel Oliveira, HAFIZ SYAHRIN
Pramac Ducati: Pecco Bagnaia
LCR Honda: Cal Crutchlow
Avintia Ducati: Xavier Simeon
Marc VDS: Franco Morbidelli
Congratulations to Lorenzo, Petrucci and Mir on their new factory rides. Of the three, Lorenzo is likely to have the hardest time making the adjustment.Congratulations, too, to Hafiz Syahrin, who will remain with Tech 3 KTM next season and is fighting for rookie of the year in 2018.
Riders as yet unsigned for 2019:
- DANI PEDROSA
- ANDREA IANNONE
- JACK MILLER
- BRADLEY SMITH
- SCOTT REDDING
- TOM LUTHI
- KAREL ABRAHAM
- ALVARO BAUTISTA
- TAKA NAKAGAMI
With only one factory seat available (Aprilia), it would seem logical for either Pedrosa or Iannone to end up there. Quality ride is still available with Pramac Ducati. Nakagami will probably re-sign with LCR Honda, but no announcement has been made as yet.
Oh, and the news about Lorenzo’s move to Honda suggests he will not risk life and limb wrestling the GP18 for the remainder of the season. He should be competitive at Brno, Phillip Island and Sepang. As for the rest–meh. As for the Tranche 5 riders, it’s always a mad scramble to see who can come up with the sponsor money, as it counts for far more than the skill of the riders.
Late-Braking MotoGP 
June 6, 2018 at 11:27 am |
Aprilia would be crazy to not pick up Iannone. Pedrosa is still a competitive rider, but his career is waning. Meanwhile the love nest over at Honda will be require curtains. For the first time in his life Jorge will likely follow team orders.
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June 8, 2018 at 3:40 pm |
Just read the news. The Maniac Joe will ride for Aprilia next year. Now he’ll be riding for revenge against both Ducati and Suzuki.
Cool.
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June 8, 2018 at 5:15 pm |
Where does this leave Pedro?
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June 7, 2018 at 12:38 pm |
I’m pretty sure Pramac will continue with Miller. Doesn’t make sense for them to take on two new riders.
Marc VDS looks to have finally cleaned up its dirty laundry. I guess they’ll stick around. But which bikes will they use, and who will partner poor Morbidelli? Marc VDS has plenty of money, so they don’t have to go for someone who brings a lot of sponsorship.
Speaking of sponsorship, I imagine the Abraham will still be around next year.
The factory Aprilia would seem to be the hottest ticket remaining, but Aleix’s bike has failed to finish 3 out of six races so far. Unbelievable!
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June 7, 2018 at 1:30 pm |
Can’t imagine Pedro would downgrade to a satellite team after a million years as a factory Honda guy.
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June 10, 2018 at 5:02 pm |
Looks like he’s going to have to challenge the mighty Kwak in WSBK.
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