Bradl looking to reap benefits of continuity in 125cc

The publication of the 125cc entry list at the end of last month confirmed Stefan Bradl´s continuation in the category, as the German opted for continuity and the chance to further establish himself in the World Championship instead of starting afresh in 250cc. The second-generation star will be back onboard his Aprilia ride at the end of the month, ready for a title assault in 2009.

`For the title, staying in 125cc was the best option,´ Bradl told motogp.com this week when asked about his stay in the lower cylinder class. `The decision was mine, but thinking about the costs and the learning benefits of continuing in 125cc I came to the conclusion that it was the way to go. It means that I can develop as a rider and learn important things like how to keep cool at the front of the race.´

After a winter of rest, relaxation and training in the cold climes of Germany, the 2008 racewinner will resume testing duties on January 31st in Valencia, with a familiar team and a competitive bike.

`I´m happy to be continuing with the team. We will have a new title sponsor behind us (replacing Grizzly Gas), and I hope that we can have the same kind of success as we had last year,´ continues the 19 year-old. `The bike will be more or less the same as what we had at the last race of 2008, but with some new parts and good support from Aprilia. Our relationship with the factory is quite good.´

Identifying Simone Corsi and Julian Simon as his principal rivals, Bradl is clear about his objectives for the year.

`My goal is to win more races and –if all goes well- fight for the title. Long term I am looking to move up through the classes to ride in MotoGP.´

Bradl will be joined by Dutch rookie Jasper Iwema in the Kiefer Racing garage for the 2009 season.