Luca Marini will join Francesco Bagnaia in Moto2, Dennis Foggia promoted by the FIM CEV Championship alongside a Nicolò Bulega reconfirmed in the Moto3 category: the Sky Racing VR46 team is renewing itself for the next World Cup season.
Much in advance, the Sky Racing Team VR46 has defined its starters for the 2018 World Cup season with its long-standing “mission”: to continue supporting young Italian motorcycle talents. With the reconfirmed Nicolò Bulega, current FIM CEV Moto3 leader Dennis Foggia will start in the category, while Luca Marini will be Francesco Bagnaia's new teammate in Moto2.
Luca Marini in Moto2 with the Sky Racing VR46 team
Officialized in recent months, the renewal of the contract with Francesco Bagnaia, currently fifth in the general classification and leader of the Rookie of the Year classification, reserved for riders in their first season in the Moto2 category, the Sky Racing VR46 team formalizes the agreement with Luca Marini. The latter has always been an integral part of the VR46 Riders Academy, the 20-year-old Marche rider has made progress this year in the Moto2 category with five rankings in the Top 10 and a 4th place at Sachsenring as best result. “I’m really excited to be able to start this new experience”, declares Marini, the brother of Valentino Rossi. “Getting into the big family of the Sky Racing VR46 team, which is also a school of life thanks to the team spirit that drives it, is an excellent opportunity to continue to progress. I will strive to meet expectations. A special thank you to the Forward team, to whom I owe my progress in the championship”, concluded “Maro”, already Italian MiniGP 80cc champion in 2011, contender for the 3 CIV Moto2013 title, and having received, last season, the recognition of Rookie of the Year in the Moto2 category.
Dennis Foggia, from CEV to the world championship with Sky-VR46
Leader of the FIM CEV Moto3 with the Sky VR46 Junior Team, Dennis Foggia will make his full-time World Cup debut in 2018 under the same colors of the Sky Racing VR46 team. The 16-year-old driver, who will be on track this weekend at the Aragon GP as a wild card, will continue his growth alongside Nicolò Bulega. “Every driver my age dreams of making their debut in the World Championship with a team like Sky Racing Team VR46”, explains “The Rocket”, author of three victories and as many second places this year in the FIM CEV Moto3 championship. “After two seasons in the CEV with the junior team, I am happy to make this jump into the category with Sky and the VR46 Riders Academy. Starting out in this large family is a precious opportunity, but also a responsibility. »
Pablo Nieto: “Competitive teams in Moto2 and Moto3”
“I am proud to announce that next year we will continue our dual commitment to MotoGP, fielding two competitive teams”, admitted Pablo Nieto, Team Manager of the Sky Racing VR46 team. “In Moto3 we have ambitious goals and we will aim for the top with Nicolò Bulega, who has decided to compete for another year in this category. Next to him will be Dennis Foggia, who will continue his growth in the team. From the CEV, where he started and achieved great results with us, he will arrive in the World Championship. After three seasons, Andrea Migno will leave the team: we remain linked by a series of important stages and satisfactions, professional, but above all human growth. The victory at Mugello will remain a special emotion for the entire Team. In Moto2, after a first year of experience with results above expectations, we will be ready to keep up with the fastest with Francesco Bagnaia, currently first rookie in Moto2, and Luca Marini. I thank Stefano Manzi for the commitment and hard work of these months in a new category for him. I wish him the best for his life and his next professional challenges. As always, we will provide these boys with all our commitment and professionalism, continuing to have KTM and Kalex on our side, with whom over the years we have established a relationship of mutual trust. »
