Stefan Bradl has taken the Moto2 paddock by surprise in 2011. The German rider races with the Viessmann Kiefer Racing team on a Kalex Moto2 chassis dominated the start of the season, winning three of the first four races.
“It has been a great season so far. The start of the season was really good. We dominated the first round which was certainly a highlight of the season,” Bradl said to Racer Views.
“Another highlight was the wet race at Silverstone – we really went well there. Although since Indy, we haven’t had the setup and the last couple of rounds have really been difficult.”
The Moto2 field has a depth of talent that is arguably unrivalled in the world of motorcycle racing, with riders from MotoGP and WSBK stepping back to the category before making a another attempt at the main game. It is also full of rising stars, none more so than 2010 125cc champion, Marc Marquez.
“He certainly has learnt Moto2 very quickly!”
“We have had great battles this year and Phillip Island will be the same. I have really enjoyed racing against him and I’ll really push in the last races.”
Despite Stefan’s success this year, he has no immediate plans to progress to MotoGP, rather preferring to stay on and develop further in Moto2.
I never expected to be so competitive this year. I was aiming for a top five but to be fighting for the Championship is great.”
“I will stay in Moto2 next year with a one bike team, which will be really good for me. I never expected to be so competitive this year. I was aiming for a top five but to be fighting for the Championship is great.”
“I still want to develop more. The team have been really great this year and I don’t look to far ahead.”
Bradl has certainly taken a leap forward this year after finishing 9th in the 2010 Moto2 Championship and his best of 4th in the Championship in his few seasons in 125cc suggested talent.
Perhaps wisely too, he is taking his time to get to MotoGP – not wanting to rush and arrive before he is ready.
To win in 2011, though he will have to attack, something that he will do this weekend at Phillip Island.
Article and interview (c) Sam Tickell, October 2011
