HRC bemoan missed chances

HRC vice president calls Stefan Bradl an emerging talent, but he also critized the 2012 rookie of the year for not capitalizing on podium opportunities.

The German aboard the LCR RC213V took 8th position in the MotoGP standings, the same as a certain Casey Stoner did with the LCR team in his rookie season in 2006.

And whilst Nakamoto is happy with the attitude and progression the 2011 Moto2 World Champion made in 2012, he still feels there is still a lot of room for improvement.

“Stefan has missed so many chances to get on the podium, so I have sometimes wondered what he’s doing. He is an intelligent and educated rider who uses his brain,” said the HRC vice president.

Nakamoto understands the importance of his young German rider, “Stefan is the only German rider in the MotoGP class, and he is not only an important rider for Honda, but for the MotoGP class in general.” This importance was shown when HRC offered a contract extension for Bradl to keep him aboard, with factory support till 2014.

Next season will be the third in a row where the Moto2 World Champion will join Honda, and Nakamoto believes with a year of MotoGP under his belt Bradl will be able to challenge his old rival.

Not only does the HRC vice president think Bradl can compete with Marquez, but he also hopes he can help the young Spaniard with the move up.