Moto2, Beaubier returns to Europe: will he be champion like Hayden and Kocinski?

Cameron Beaubier is back in Europe, getting a feel for Moto2 during the Jerez tests, where the MotoAmerica champ faced bad weather but made the most of his track time to explore the potential of the Kalex, complete with Triumph three-cylinder engine, with which he’ll race next year.

For the new American Team rider, the world championship is not a total unknown, as the young Californian already completed a 125 GP season back in 2009, sharing the KTM garage with Marquez.

While Marc went on to be the King of the Top Class, Cameron became a matador of the US series. The two will soon meet again in the paddock and perhaps even on track. Well, do you really think Beaubier has left his comfort zone to ‘settle’ for the intermediate class? We don’t.

In MotoGP the last US hero was Nicky Hayden

When an American leaves home, he does so with the aim of achieving something big, really big, unattainable in his backyard. Specifically, the MotoGP, a one of a kind championship in which (almost) all riders dream of competing.

The Moto2 is great of course but it serves as a bridge between the Moto3 and the much more select MotoGP. There would be no point leaving Wayne Rainey’s championship – one where Cam was star of the show no less – to remain on a stage that leads to the most prestigious class?

In the past, the Americans have come to Europe to follow one of two paths, either 500 two-stroke or SBK. Some have raced in both categories, like John Kocinski, 250 title winner, champion in the production-derived series with Honda, and a 500 rider aboard both the Yamaha and the Cagiva.

The sole US rider to win the MotoGP title was Nicky Hayden in 2006. Since then, the only success has come at the hands of Ben Spies, who took a win at Assen, the same rider also securing the crown in SBK.

A three-way battle between Joe Roberts, Garrett Gerloff and Beaubier

Joe will replace Enea Bastianini – the outgoing title winner who moves to MotoGP – on the Italtrans team, after apparently turning down a MotoGP Aprilia seat. Cameron will explore Moto2, with a list of solid contacts that can help him move forward we bet. In addition, and having made an excellent impression when he stepped in for Valentino Rossi at Valencia, Garrett Gerloff is another name to consider in the future.

Dorna “needs” an American to field in the Top Class and right now these are the main contenders. Which of them will be promoted? Time will tell. And the second question is will Roberts, Gerloff or Beaubier be able to take a world title home to the States? We cannot predict, but we’re very interested to see.

Translated by Heather Watson

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