Francesco Bagnaia will move up to the Moto2 class in 2017 after signing for the Sky Racing Team VR46 for next season. The team which currently runs a three-man squad in Moto3, will compete in the intermediate class for the first time and following Romano Fenati’s controversial departure, Bagnaia will spearhead the Moto2 team.
Bagnaia has enjoyed a sensational season with Mahindra, claiming his maiden Grand Prix victory at Assen, and currently lies fourth in the championship. The Italian, who previously rode for Sky VR46 before switching to the Indian manufacturer, has described the move as a homecoming of sorts.
“I am happy to re-join the Sky Racing Team VR46. This new project in Moto2 is a great opportunity. I am proud to face this new challenge with a team that for me is like a family”, he commented.
Team Manager Pablo Nieto is delighted to welcome Bagnaia back into the fold and has confirmed that his teammate will be announced in the coming weeks.
“We are very proud to announce that in 2017 we will be on the grid with four young Italian talents. We will continue in Moto3 with two KTM and with two bikes in Moto2. The line-up of the team will be completed in the next few weeks, but we are glad to say welcome to Francesco Bagnaia. After the recession of the contract between Romano and the team, we decided to continue with our original plan that included two bikes in Moto2. We will define who will join Francesco in this new challenge in the next weeks. We are motivated to give to ‘Pecco’ all our commitment and our professionalism”.
