The engines roared into Texas a few weeks ago as the only US stop on the MotoGP calendar brought motorcycle racing back to Circuit of the Americas for another action packed weekend. It was a racing weekend to remember, not only for the on track action, but for the back room deals being struck.
Welcome To The MotoGP Silly Season!
The Silly Season has started early this year as rider contracts start to come to an end. Usually the pandemonium waits till at least the summer break, but eager riders signing on the dotted line may have accelerated the rumor mill.
It seems that Tech 3 Yamaha’s Bradley Smith has jumped ship, planning to help KTM start their bid for MotoGP glory. The orange brand’s factory has been testing its GP machine for over a year now, and the shakedowns look promising, though no one is expecting any wins from the manufacturer’s rookie season. Smith will more than likely enjoy a healthy salary increase as well as the privilege of being one of the few factory riders on the grid, but will a factory bike equal racing success?
Suzuki is in its sophomore year, after returning to the championship last year with a new racing machine. It’s early goings now, but the bikes and their riders are already flirting with breaking through to a podium finish, so why are there rumors that one of the factory’s riders is looking to jump ship? Maverick Viñales, the Suzuki frontrunner, has apparently been approached to replace one of the top riders in MotoGP! But which of the aliens could be leaving their long held championship winning steeds? Jorge Lorenzo, that’s who.
The current world champion is rumored to be in bed with Gigi Dall’igna and Ducati. The GP16 has already proven that it can run upfront with the other bikes, but after Ianonne’s gaff in Argentina cost the Italian mark a double podium, the manufacturer might be looking for new blood. But how far along is this deal? GP insiders say the ink has already dried on Jorge’s move!
The lawyers that ride want to remind you to keep following our blog for the latest in motorcycle sports, and remember to keep high speeds off the streets and on the racetrack.