The more surprising was the rider filling the vacant seat at the EG VDS team: long-serving Moto2 rider Thomas Luthi, at 30 years old.
The Swiss former 125 champion (2005) will join his current Moto2 title rival Franco Morbidelli to make a double-rookie team to replace Jack Miller and Tito Rabat, both bound for Ducatis, Miller with the factory-allied Pramac squad.
“I always thought that if I got good results in Moto2, I might get my chance,” said Luthi. But he had to wait, having spent three years on a 250 Aprilia then a further seven-and-a-half on a Moto2. His best result on a 250 was second; but he had won nine Moto2 races by the end of last year to finish second overall. This year podium in all but two races include a win at Brno, and he is just 26 points shy of leader Morbidelli.
The second announcement confirmed long-standing rumours – that Takaaki Nakagami will join Cal Crutchlow as the LCR Team once again expands to two riders.
Nakagami (25) is a one-time Moto2 race winner, but has fallen short of expectations this year, lying seventh overall with three third places. He has not lost the support of HRC, however, backing his move to MotoGP in a continued desire to see Japanese riders succeed in the premier class.
Crutchlow’s contract from next year is directly with HRC, underlining the factory’s support for the satellite team.
The Luthi signing closes off any chances that Aprilia cast-off Sam Lowes might move in to the Honda team: the Briton’s most likely destination is a return to Moto2.
By Michael Scott
