Stefan Bradl will make his first MotoGP start since 2016 after being called up to replace in the injured Franco Morbidelli for the remainder of his home German Grand Prix.
An agreement has been reached in the management conflict at Marc VDS, which will result in team owner Marc van der Straten assuming leadership and the departure of team principal Michael Bartholemy to a 'new challenge'.
The dispute at the top of the Marc VDS team escalated during the Le Mans weekend, with team principal Michael Bartholemy being dismissed by owner Marc van der Straten.
Marc VDS Honda MotoGP rookies Franco Morbidelli and Thomas Luthi head for the start of the European season at Jerez needing a step forward with the set-up of their RC213Vs.
Moto2 champion Franco Morbidelli kicked off his MotoGP career with a 'better than expected' twelfth place, as the top rookie, in the Qatar season opener.
Officially, Yamaha is still to decide if it will even run a satellite MotoGP team in 2019, following Tech3's switch to KTM. At last weekend's season-opening Qatar Grand Prix, Yamaha Racing managing director Lin Jarvis said that he 'hoped' to find a replacement, but added:
Michael Bartholemy, team boss of Marc VDS’ racing operations, has admitted he is talking to another manufacturer other than Honda about supplying machinery for his MotoGP outfit in 2019.
Thomas Luthi is aiming for a steady start to get up to speed with Marc VDS Honda as he prepares for his rookie MotoGP campaign at the first official test in Sepang.
Chief Technician has Christophe Bourguignon has estimated that a crash in MotoGP can cost “between €15,000 and €100,000”, stating that multiple crashes can put teams in serious ’trouble’.
"I no longer recognise the spirit and the values that I knew and that I find today in motorcycle sport with the fabulous men who surround me." - Marc van der Straten.
"What is important now is that Jack rides again only when he is fit enough to do so, even if that means missing the first MotoGP pre-season test in Sepang"