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Why a minnow's MotoGP "revolution" already faces collapse

Aleix Espargaro has shown continual patience at Aprilia, but the the MotoGP minnow's limited progress means it now faces losing a rider with an eye for bike development at a time when it needs it most

Lewis Duncan Sep 17, 2019, 1:56 PM

We are now one month on from the shock announcement that Johann Zarco will be cutting short his tenure at KTM amid a woeful campaign on the RC16, but we are still no closer to knowing who his replacement will be for the 2020 MotoGP season.

During the Misano round, KTM boss Mike Leitner confirmed the man originally ousted to make way for Zarco - current Aprilia test rider Bradley Smith - is a serious option. Smith is "very keen" for the move, even if no official contact has allegedly been made.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.