Official: Bradl to LCR Honda

Moto2 champion to replace Toni Elias at LCR Honda

UPDATE: 17/11/2011 - LCR send out press release confirming Bradl signs for LCR.

MOTO2 Champion Stefan Bradl looks set to rise to the MotoGP class, securing a late deal with LCR Honda after a successful test with the team at Valencia.

The German rode the LCR Honda used by Toni Elias this season in the post-season test at Valencia. In what was originally put in place as a gift for winning the Moto2 championship, Bradl's performance on the RC212V meant he passed an unplanned trial, as he ended the test within the top ten and won the praise of Lucio Cecchinello.

Cecchinello said that he admired Bradl's progress after riding the RC212V over two days, the 22-year-old was able to best the qualifying time set by the out-going Elias and give precise feedback to the team's pit crew.

No official confirmation has been released, but Bradl has told the German media that the deal has been agreed verbally and a contract will be finalised in the next week.