For once to stand on the top step in Estoril, or in Jerez, or in Le Mans. For once to fight for the title in the first-class league like Dani Pedrosa or Nicky Hayden. This is the dream of young motorcycle fans all over the world. In 2008, thirteen of them will get the chance to move up the width of a tire to realize the dream. They secured a starting place at the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup 2008.
Those wanting to become motorcycle racers would be better off being born in a country that’s crazy about motorbikes, should be able to raise the necessary money for materials and expenses, and to have an uncle who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone.
Chances for all at the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup
Or: “Be born between January 1, 1992 and December 31, 1994 and be 100 percent convinced they want to become a pro motorcycle racer.” These were the two conditions required for the application of Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. Racing results to date? “Negligible,” said KTM Racing Director and head judge Harald Bartol. Gender? “Uninteresting.” Nationality: “Goodness, we’ve got no time for this sort of thing ...”
First step to a career in motor sports
The advantages of this approach: At the selection events – the final one took place on November 22 and 23 at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Southern France – the thirteen most talented really did find their way to the cup through thousands of other applicants. “I’m sure we’ve found a group of very talented young guys,” Bartol said. “We’re expecting an even closer field and an even more exciting racing season than in 2007.” Alberto Puig, along with Bartol something of a motor sports foster father for the rookies, placed particular importance on the selection of talent and the right approach: “The first step has been taken – now the kids need to seize the opportunity and gain experience.”
World Champion 2012?
A positive side-effect of the unprejudiced talent scouting was also the variety within the field of participants. At first, rookies from 15 countries, among them South Africa and Australia, Ireland and the Czech Republic, will battle to succeed Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup winner Johann Zarco in the coming year – and in three, four years, maybe to succeed Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa.
The new Red Bull MotoGP Rookies are:
Dylan Mavin – Australia
Nico Thöni – Austria
Jakub Kornfeil – Czech Republic
Nelson Major – France
Florian Marino – France
Kevin Calia – Italy
Daijiro Hiura – Japan
Alessio Cappella – Nigeria
Mathew Scholtz – South Africa
Daniel Ruiz – Spain
Joshua Elliott – Ireland
Harry Stafford – United Kingdom
Patrick Jacobsen – USA
Reserve riders:
Niklas Ajo – Finland
Ben McConnachie – United Kingdom
Valentin Debise – France
