Tech3 MotoGP boss Herve Poncheral doubts former rider Bradley Smith will rejoin the soon to be factory KTM-backed team next year, citing Miguel Oliveria and Hafizh Syahrin as his likely line-up.
Smith – who rode for Tech3 from 2013 to '16 in the premier class – has been forced out of the factory KTM outfit after teammate Pol Espargaro agreed a new two-year deal, while Johann Zarco was confirmed as his new stablemate this week.
Tech3 will field two factory-supported RC16s next year, with Smith not ruling out the possibility of returning to his former surroundings.
“The second seat was between both myself and Pol, which also you can understand that his results have been slightly better; a lot better last year, but slightly better at the beginning of this season,” said Smith.
“So that puts me in a situation where I am no longer in the factory team, but as I will tell you and KTM will tell you during the weekend, that doesn't mean that I'm completely out of the project.
“There are still two bikes available, and the plan is to work hard to get the proper results in the next two races and put myself into the position to be there.”
He added: “I feel very at home here at KTM, I got into this project for the right reasons, and it's not quite where we want it to finish.
“So it makes no sense for me to jump ship, let's say, after two years, but of course we check all the options available.”
However, Poncheral says the “position” of Tech3 is to be a KTM junior team, and Smith does not fit into this philosophy.
Poncheral also admitted Moto2 frontrunner Oliveira does have an “opportunity” to step up to MotoGP next year with Tech3, while the team boss has also expressed his keenness to retain Syahrin.
“Honestly, the position of our team is clear, and this is what we have discussed and planned, and is also the will of KTM, we are the junior team,” said Poncheral.
“KTM have made it public, they have offered Miguel Oliveira the opportunity to step up to the MotoGP class with Tech3 and full factory support from KTM.
“I'm really happy with Hafizh. We were in a difficult situation when Jonas Folger decided not to race, and finally I think we found an incredible, exciting and perfect solution.
“So, nothing is done, there are a lot of possibilities. But Syahrin, Oliveira is a strong possibility. But again, nothing is done.
“Concerning Bradley, I haven't heard anything, he hasn't talked to me yet. I don't know what KTM's plans are, I don't know his plans.
“I think he's a very good development rider, maybe there is also something in this field, I have no idea.
“Clearly, Bradley is not a junior rider, he is an experienced rider with a lot of feedback, knowledge about the bike.”
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