MXGP: Who’s going where in 2016?
Around this time of the year there are a lot of rumours going around the MXGP paddock and it’s possible to start piecing together who might go where. We will now look at who might be going where in 2016.
Let’s start with KTM, they will have a five rider line up. Three riders in MX2 being Jonass, Pootjes and Herlings after another injury has hindered the Dutchman he will stay in MX2 for the 2016 season. In MXGP they will obviously have Cairoli but the question is who will be his team mate? Tommy Searle won’t be with Factory KTM after a disappointing season, the favourite at the moment is Glenn Coldenhoff. Glenn has also been linked to a ride with Harry Nolte Kawasaki as he is interested in running an MXGP rider next year.
It is thought that Tommy Searle will join up with Steve Dixon in his Dixon Kawasaki set up as he will expand the team and run an MXGP rider in 2016. It will be interesting to see if Steve will run one or two riders in MX2 as well as an MXGP rider.
At this point, the worst kept secret is that Desalle will join up with Jordi Tixier at KRT – a fantastic line up for them. With regards to Suzuki, it is expected that Strijbos will sign a contract extension to ride for the team. It is thought that Stefan Everts will be the new team manager for that team but who will he sign as Strijbos team mate?
They wanted Van Horebeek but he has just signed to stay with Yamaha. Valentin Guillod is also an option for Suzuki but he is set to stay with Standing Construct. That doesn’t leave too many options, there hasn’t been any talk about it but could we see Frossard or Dean Ferris go yellow? We will have to wait and see what Suzuki have planned, they may attempt to bring an AMA rider to GP’s.
STR look as if they have pulled off a great signing, it looks as though Shaun Simpson will be riding for Turners team in 2016 and with a factory bike. KTM know that Shaun likes have a good team environment around him and see this as the best option.
HRC Honda have already confirmed they will have the same rider line up for the 2016 season and it is thought that ICE ONE will keep the same line up as well.
In MX2, the worst kept secret is that Max Anstie will be hooking up with Jacky Martens Husqvarna team, Thomas Covington will be the Brit’s team mate as Jacky will put his efforts into the MX2 class again.
Standing Construct will have a solid team with Alexsandr Tonkov and Julien Lieber, they could be the guys to watch out for in 2016.
It is thought that Brylyakov has a few options on the table for 2016 including Harry Nolte and possibly Dixon Kawasaki.
We will try to keep everyone updated but a lot of deals are expected to be announced soon and possibly even this weekend at Lommel – don’t be surprised to see these deals being announced.
Article: Andy McKinstry
Pic: MXGP
