A new Honda team will roll in to take a slot in the MXGP paddock for the 2015 FIM Motocross World Championship.
Assomotor Honda, a crew currently competing in Supermoto and overseen by former off-road racer Alfredo Bevilacqua, is stretching its (red) wings and will use the experience and knowledge of former world champion Andrea Bartolini as Technical Chief.
The squad were initially hoping to attract former MX2 GP winner Davide Guarneri to wear their colours but the Italian Motocross of Nations representative is tied to the TM factory operation for another season.
They are now believed to be talking with Alessandro Lupino. ‘The Wolf’ and CLS Monster Energy Kawasaki racer has been on the sidelines for most of the season after undergoing a knee reconstruction and has to leave the MX2 class due to his age of 23 years.
There should be one more slot on the CRF450Rs under Bartolini’s stewardship and some of the talk in Italian media circles within the MXGP paddock claim that a high profile acquisition like Mike Alessi could be in the frame; particularly with MXGP beginning to look more alluring with all the rumours surrounding AMA Supercross Champion Ryan Villopoto’s imminent commitment to the series.
Regardless of the personnel for an inaugural season it is nevertheless bright news for the FIM Motocross World Championship at a time when full-time Grand Prix competition involves a hefty economic investment.
Apparently Assomotor intends to continue with Supermoto activities.
