On Thursday, KTM officially activated the driver pairings for 2021: Miguel Oliveira (25) will compete with Brad Binder (24) in the Red Bull KTM factory team (the two were already in Moto3 and Moto2 teammates), and Tech3 has newcomers Danilo Petrucci next to Iker Lecuona a new place.
«In 2021 we will have Iker Lecuona on board, I am very happy about that. He was my choice, “emphasized Tech3 boss Hervé Poncharal to” MotoGP.com “. «I think he has a great future ahead of him. It is very good for all of us that he has another season with us after 2020. »
The 20-year-old Spaniard joins «Petrux», an almost 30-year-old Italian. Poncharal is particularly pleased that the 2019 Mugello winner is moving to the Orange family – as part of Tech3. He also stated: “I will have the oldest and the youngest driver in the KTM crew.”
“I’m looking forward to working with Danilo,” added the Frenchman. «One must never forget: He finished 6th in the World Cup last year and won his home GP in Mugello. On the way there he fought with Marc Márquez and Andrea Dovizioso. Even if it was only once, not many drivers can say: ‘I defeated Marc Márquez and Andrea Dovizioso on the last lap.’ »
It was quite a surprise that the experienced newcomer, who has so far won nine podium places in the MotoGP class, was placed at Red Bull KTM Tech3. Poncharal said: «It was a difficult decision for Pit Beirer – Mike Leitner and I were also involved – where Danilo and Miguel should go and how we could best organize everything. I believe that we will have Danilo with us once again underlines the fact that KTM does not have a factory team and a satellite organization. We have four full-fledged factory drivers. Of course it is organized in two different teams, but the support from KTM for the four drivers is exactly the same. Sometimes people don’t really believe you when you say that. But the fact that the most experienced – and currently the best – driver comes to Tech3 means that everyone can count on the same level of support. »
KTM race director Pit Beirer had assured SPEEDWEEK.com on Thursday: “We no longer differentiate between A and B teams. All four works drivers receive identical material. Those who are at the top of the world championship table will primarily be supplied with the new parts. »
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