MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta believes the future for British riders in the GP paddock bright despite the fact there isn't one in the blue riband class for 2021.
Cal Crutchlow was given the Spanish Archer from HRC in 2020 and Aprilia elected to hand a ride to Lorenzo Savadori - a man who never troubled the WorldSBK podium - instead of test rider Bradley Smith.
However, Ezpeleta says the Road to MotoGP initiative plus the three Brits already in the support classes mean Britain should be back in MotoGP sooner rather than later.
"We've always pushed hard to try and make sure we have global representation in MotoGP, and especially from countries such as the UK. This year we won't have a British rider in the premier class but there are Brits coming up the Road to MotoGP, and fighting at the front in Moto2 and Moto3," Ezpeleta told bikesportnews.com.
"In many different disciplines, sports and industries there are natural peaks and troughs - only a few years ago we had four British riders lining up every week in MotoGP, and five at times as another was an injury replacement.
Dorna has always believed in global representation, searching out and fostering talent from different countries or regions to find young riders from across the world. This is why the British Talent Cup was created, an integral part of the Road to MotoGP.
"Now the sole British Moto3 class, it's affordable and competitive, providing a great proving ground for young riders in the UK to be able to begin their careers. Riders also get the chance to progress on the Road to MotoGP, with opportunities available in the Junior Talent Team in the FIM CEV Repsol as well as in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event for young Brits who impress.
"With the support of our partners, as well as our MotoGP UK broadcaster BT Sport, the future of British riders in the Grand Prix paddock is looking bright."
