Danny Kent poised for Moto2 switch

Danny Kent is poised to add his name to a long line of British talent that’s raced for the French-based Tech 3 squad in 2013.

The 18-year-old is close to finalising a move to Herve Poncharal’s Tech 3 Racing Moto2 squad as replacement for Bradley Smith.

It will mean 75% of Poncharal’s four rider line-up in Moto2 and MotoGP will be British, with Cal Crutchlow and Smith already signed to ride factory-backed Yamaha YZR-M1 machines next season in the premier class.

Red Bull KTM Moto3 rider Kent is on a Tech 3 shortlist of three, with Le Mans Moto3 winner Luis Rossi expected to get the nod over Smith’s current team-mate Xavier Simeon.

Kent told MCN: “It is looking good for Moto2 next year. I am in talks with a few teams including Tech 3 but it looks like I will be going to Moto2.

“Size and weight is a big thing. I get quite cramped up on the Moto3 bike and obviously when I move my body it moves the bike and doesn’t make it stable in the corners.

“The move will be right and I am looking forward to it. I like Tech 3 and the way they work and I believe in the project, so we will see.”

Poncharal told MCN: “It is no secret but I have a big interest in Danny Kent. He is somebody I have been following for two years and I met Danny in Brno and I was very impressed with him. This gave me even more will to work with him in the future.

“I think he is very fast and a serious option for us. Nothing is 100% clear but there are three leading candidates. I have been talking and we are quite close to signing with Louis Rossi. He has made incredible progress this year.

“Xavier is still an option and we have to wait and see and he has to prove that he can be a regular top 10 contender.”