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Once the signatures are on the contracts, we can talk. At this point, given the certainty of Stefan Bradl's presence astride the team Ten Kate Honda CBR in SBK for 2017, the German told Speedweek about what went on behind the scenes to lead to his decision, the new challenge that awaits him next season: “After the MotoGP race at Barcelona, I found out that Aleix Espargarò will be with Aprilia next year and during the Assen race weekend, Bautista and I were brought up to date on everything. I thought about it and looked around to find an arrangement that would let me compete in the Premier Class in the top 10 spots, but I did not find anything satisfactory. So I thought about SBK straight away and there were two or three very attractive places that were freeing up. Honda showed great interest in me straight away.”
During the race weekend at Sachsenring there were rumours that the German had refused an offer from Hervè Poncharal's Team Tech3, but Bradl denies them: “Whoever wrote that news was wrong. I had contact with Hervè and his team in June 2011 and then there was no further negotiation, partly because I am sponsored by Red Bull (in conflict with the team Tech3 Monster sponsor).”
The German, highly sought after by Dorna, who will now have another World Champion in the factory derivative championship, did not have any preferences before signing with Honda, and it was the work done by Honda Europe that made the difference, who wanted the 26 year old in their colours next season: “I did not have any reference team or bike. I was open to any offer and the first contract came from Carlo Fiorani in the MotoGP paddock. At Assen I also met with Ronald and Gerrit Ten Kate who work for Honda Europe. A few days later I had a meeting with Marco Chini from the Honda World Superbike team and we worked out all the details with him. I must say that they were all very professional and concrete with me.”
In fact, these were the factors that brought Stefan to Honda, because there was no lack of other contacts: “I also had negotiations with Ducati, but we could not come to an agreement. We spoke with Yamaha and Milwaukee, but there was nothing concrete for me. Honda told me that Van Der Mark was talking with other teams and their attitude with me was very serious and professional, so it was an easy decision for me.”
Honda has not won the World SBK championship since the 2007 season with James Toseland and to mount a new attack for the title, they will have the racing version of the new CBR 1000 Fireblade that will be unveiled soon on the track: “Yes, the new bike that is on the way is excellent news, because in order to aim for the title we will need a more updated, more advanced model. Our rivals for 2017 will be Chaz Davies with the Ducati Panigale and the Rea-Sykes duo with the Kawasakis… It will not be easy to race to win the title already in my first year, but in any case I want to race to build a project and develop it in the best possible way.”
This statement explains that Bradl wants to stay in SBK for at least two season and for now the Bavarian rider does not want to think about a future return to MotoGP: “I can imagine at least two years in SBK. That is my goal. A return to MotoGP is not in my thoughts. Obviously, if I were to do well in SBK and have very good offers from MotoGP I would not turn them down, but right now it is too early to think like that.”
The German demonstrates that he is solidly grounded and having a serious and professional teammate like Nicky Hayden is just a bit more peace of mind for his mild manner: “I get along very well with Nicky and this is an excellent starting place. I also think that we will be able to push one another higher and higher, so Honda will have an excellent pair of riders.”
For Stefan, SBK will come with a few new elements including new rivals, different bikes, tyres he has never used before and entirely new tracks, but not Laguna Seca where he rode his best MotoGP race in 2013 with Honda, finishing on the second step of the podium: “That was the high point of my MotoGP experience and going back there in SBK will be great. Next year I will be facing a lot of changes and my goal will be consistent performance, always aiming for the podium.”
In particular, the last edition of the Suzuka Hours raised great interest from the fans and for next year it promises to have some important names, so Bradl is giving it some serious thought: “Yes, we have spoken and the 8 Hours fits in with our plans... we just need to work out the details and then I'll be there too.”
