Photo: motogp.com
Stefan Bradly might decide to put an early end to his contract with Forward Racing after the team announced yesterday that they will not be traveling at Indianapolis for the first race of the second half of the season. The decision was made in order to save money and hopefully make it to the next round, in the (much closer) Czech Republic, at Brno.
Things are not looking well for Forward Racing and its two MotoGP riders, Loris Baz and Stefan Bradl. With no money to pay flights, hotels and other expenditures, Forward had to call it quits for the Indianapolis round. Even though the bikes and other gear was flown to the Brickyard by IRTA, getting the rest of the team there is, well, the team's job.
The owner of the team, Giovanni Cuzari is still under arrest and being investigated for alleged financial infractions. With the accounts being in his name, it is now impossible for the team to make payments.
And with Athina and reportedly other sponsors jumping ship and canceling their contracts (and obviously, the payments) things are not funny at all.
Bradl has spent three seasons on Aprilia machinery in the (then) 125cc class and has since accumulated a lot of experience in the premier class, becoming a worthy asset for a team that aims to catch up with the rest of the factories.
Melandri's bike is available, as Aprilia Gresini has a race-by-race deal with Michael Laverty. Laverty is, however, busy racing in the British Superbike series and is not always available, so employing a rider who already has experience with factory bikes might sound like a cool option for Aprilia.
Forward retains their two grid spots even in case they would miss Brno, and recent news mention that the team is already raising money for the Brno trip. There is around a week left before Forward will have to be in Brno and we will certainly learn more about the whole thing these days.
The owner of the team, Giovanni Cuzari is still under arrest and being investigated for alleged financial infractions. With the accounts being in his name, it is now impossible for the team to make payments.
And with Athina and reportedly other sponsors jumping ship and canceling their contracts (and obviously, the payments) things are not funny at all.
Bradl is considering doing what's best for him as a rider
According to speedweek, Bradl has a possibility to end his contract with Forward amicably, and is also ready to do so if he will see fit for his career. His fractured scaphoid bone is healing according to the doctors' expectations, and his condition is improving fast. This means he will be ready to roll at Indianapolis, if he has a bike for the job.Bradl has spent three seasons on Aprilia machinery in the (then) 125cc class and has since accumulated a lot of experience in the premier class, becoming a worthy asset for a team that aims to catch up with the rest of the factories.
Melandri's bike is available, as Aprilia Gresini has a race-by-race deal with Michael Laverty. Laverty is, however, busy racing in the British Superbike series and is not always available, so employing a rider who already has experience with factory bikes might sound like a cool option for Aprilia.
Forward retains their two grid spots even in case they would miss Brno, and recent news mention that the team is already raising money for the Brno trip. There is around a week left before Forward will have to be in Brno and we will certainly learn more about the whole thing these days.
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