Lloyds British Moto Rapido team boss Steve Moore faced a tough decision to replace the injured Jakub Smrz with John Hopkins for the rest of 2015 but the pair have parted amicably.
Smrz carried out a bulk of the development work for the 2015 MCE British Superbike season but an injury at Snetterton has put him out of action and Moore had to bring in former MotoGP man Hopkins.
“Expanding the team to a two rider effort isn’t possible, we simply don’t have the resources to properly staff and run two riders without compromising the effort and attention to detail that I’m sure has pushed the team forward. To overstretch would be a big mistake and wouldn’t be professional or fair to either rider,” said Moore.
“Personally it isn’t an easy decision to replace Kuba, but with his injury still in question and the momentum we have with John I have to do what is the best for the team, sponsors and Ducati. I’ve spoken to Kuba and he remains professional , which I thank and respect him for. It’s important to recognise the amazing development work that he has done with the Ducati.
“The situation doesn’t do him any justice especially as the bike was considerably improved prior to the Snetterton round - specifically the clutch to fix the race launch issue- and he just didn’t get a chance to display his potential on the bike John is now riding. I am sure he would be a front running rider too and if we had the opportunity to expand the team there would be no question about having him ride.
“The remainder of the season and 2016 is what we have to concentrate on now , and my job is to make the decisions that will give us the best chance of success.”
Smrz said of the decision: ”Racing is not always going direction you want and I understand and respect decision of the team. It´s been hard beginning of season and very unlucky for me and team as well. In the moment when things started to work perfect and I could finally fight for podiums I got injured,’ said Smrz
“Of course I´m not happy for early season finish and that it´s not me to benefit from hard development work we´ve done. But I wish good luck to Moto Rapido and John in the remaining of season. Now I will continue in my fitness preparation and hopefully I can be back on race bike soon.”
