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MotoGP riders tipped for Moto2 seats

Tech 3 team boss Herve Poncharal expects to see some current MotoGP riders in the new Moto2 class next year

He reckons a step back to Moto2 will be a good option for the riders losing their MotoGP seats at the end of the year - and that the teams entering the new feeder championship will be keen to sign riders who have experience in the top class.

"We all have the same names on our list," said Poncharal, who is among the team owners with confirmed Moto2 entries.

"There are some riders that are currently MotoGP riders that might not have a job next year.

"I think these guys are hot property for Moto2 next year, because the bike will be very close to MotoGP size and weight - it will be a MotoGP bike with less power and different tyres."

With the current top four in 250cc and World Superbike title contender Ben Spies all securing MotoGP deals for 2010, several riders presently in the top class at looking for new employment.

While James Toseland and Chris Vermeulen have already firmed up World Superbike returns after being dropped by Tech 3 Yamaha and Suzuki respectively, Gresini Honda duo Toni Elias and Alex de Angelis are unlikely to get 2010 MotoGP deals. Gresini has signed Marco Melandri and Marco Simoncelli instead, and with Pramac Ducati having retained Mika Kallio and Aleix Espargaro, there do not appear to be any vacant MotoGP seats left.

Poncharal has high hopes for Moto2, which he expects to provide much more equal competition than the present 250cc championship.

"Thirty eight bikes on the grid, with the same engine spec, and I don't think there will be a very bad chassis or a very good chassis," he said.

"I think the technical side is going to be very, very close and it's going to be down to the riders.

"We will have some real good action and it will be back to a real man's sport in this class. I'm excited, very excited."

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