LCR Honda team boss Lucio Cecchinello has re-opened discussions in Moto GP regarding recognition of the unsung heroes from the satellite teams of the sport. He believes that there should be a reward for the unsung heroes of the small teams, possibly in the form of a trophy for the best finish by a non factory rider.
A similar scheme to that used in British Superbike where the best of the privateers is awarded the British Superbike cup, would seem a sensible option worth looking at, but there is also talk of maybe running a Moto GP ‘B’ series.
It was back in 2006 when the last Moto GP was won by a satellite rider, that was Toni Elias, who took a thrilling victory in Portugal from Valentino Rossi. Since the change to 800cc bikes, factory riders have won all of the 36 races and on only eleven occasions during that period has the podium been graced by a non factory rider.
Cecchinello believes that this lack of recognition needs to be addressed if the satellite teams are to continue to reward sponsors and attract new funding to the sport. Cecchinello has the backing of Dorna Sports who would also like to see some form of recognition for the sports satellite riders but others are not convinced by the argument.
Herve Poncharal of Tech 3, a satellite team themselves, but one that enjoys the latest equipment from Yamaha, is not so sure about the idea, believing instead that a balance of young riders getting good results will always get media coverage. He cites Team Scot from last years championship as proof of that, saying:
“Honestly if you work in a positive way, can get good results and perhaps bring up young riders then you will get media coverage – just like Team Scot last year, they had a lot of coverage simply because Andrea did extremely well.”
Another factor that could be a thorn in the side of Cecchinello’s argument is that it has become increasingly difficult to separate ‘factory’ and ’satellite’ teams, with some of the privateers appearing to get more factory support than others.
The debate goes on, what is your view?
1 comment so far
1 ash // Feb 14, 2009 at 1:12 pm
It would surely encourage the lower teams to compete to the end of every race if there was a reward.Maybe the usual podium and a side step for most sucessfull satellite rider.