Predictions: Where will Zarco go next?

#22 said:

Pol has signed a new contract with KTM to take him to the end of 2020. So it looks like a Zarco/Espargaro lineup for them.

https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/894974/1/pol-espargaro-resigns-red-bull-ktm-until-2020

Given that Kallio is the established test rider, I very much doubt we'll see Smith in GP's next season.

Click to expand...

as much as I like Bradley, I don't think he deserves a GP seat at this point. He's had his chances and achieved nothing.

Holypuck said:

as much as I like Bradley, I don't think he deserves a GP seat at this point. He's had his chances and achieved nothing.

Click to expand...

There was a rumor Smith could wind up back at Tech 3. Though I don't see what the benefit to Tech 3 would be of such a move.

Holypuck said:

as much as I like Bradley, I don't think he deserves a GP seat at this point. He's had his chances and achieved nothing.

Click to expand...

Agreed. Certainly since the move to Michelins. He had a great final yr on the Bridgestones and as he wanted a factory ride, and KTM wanted a relatively experienced rider with celebrated feedback it was a good fit for each party. However he has now outlived his usefulness.

So many better options for Tech 3 too, so he will be WSBK material I expect.

#22 said:

Agreed. Certainly since the move to Michelins. He had a great final yr on the Bridgestones and as he wanted a factory ride, and KTM wanted a relatively experienced rider with celebrated feedback it was a good fit for each party. However he has now outlived his usefulness.

So many better options for Tech 3 too, so he will be WSBK material I expect.

Click to expand...

He'd do well in WSBK.

I think satellite Teams should look at young, hungry riders who still got everything to prove.

Hypothetical moves such as Iannone going back to Pramac, Smith going back to Tech3 (naming these 2 as they are both rumored to be possible) are kinda "unhealthy" IMHO.

In other words, we need more Millers

I wonder if Smith would drop back to moto2, lots of others have I guess to fined their way again.

Holypuck said:

He'd do well in WSBK.

I think satellite Teams should look at young, hungry riders who still got everything to prove.

Hypothetical moves such as Iannone going back to Pramac, Smith going back to Tech3 (naming these 2 as they are both rumored to be possible) are kinda "unhealthy" IMHO.

In other words, we need more Millers

Click to expand...

Ducati should re-sign Iannone.

Yes I said it. He was perfect for that bike. Ducati ...... up by turning 2016 into a competition between the two riders. He's faster than Dovi on that bike.

JPSLotus said:

Ducati should re-sign Iannone.

Yes I said it. He was perfect for that bike. Ducati ...... up by turning 2016 into a competition between the two riders. He's faster than Dovi on that bike.

Click to expand...

I kinda agree with you. I'm not a fan of the guy but he sure knows how to be freaky fast on the Duc.

3 things tho:

1) from what I've heard the Ducati Team (especially Ciabatti and Tardozzi) did not like Iannone's rebel behaviour inside the box and that's the main reason for which they wouldn't want to have him again.

2) Dovizioso doesn't stand Iannone, and vice versa. I seriously doubt they'd accept to be team mates again.

3) Pramac wouldn't be an option as they are really preparing everything for Bagnaia, which might debut in the team with a title in his pocket and is 8 years younger than Iannone.

I think there's more chance of Stoner racing a factory Ducati again than Iannone. When a manager of Carlo Pernat's stature casts you off because of your behavior then it's bad news.

#22 said:

I think there's more chance of Stoner racing a factory Ducati again than Iannone. When a manager of Carlo Pernat's stature casts you off because of your behavior then it's bad news.

Click to expand...

Not sure what went on between Iannone and Carlo, but looks like they're "back" together.