Britain’s Scott Redding will switch to the Aprilia MotoGP team for 2018 and replace Sam Lowes.
The switch from Pramac Ducati was rumoured all of last week and intensified when Aprilia exercised a break clause in Lowes’ contract on Thursday.
On Friday, Redding denied actually having signed a deal, saying he was also talking to his old Marc VDS squad. Aprilia’s management announced the ink was dry this lunchtime.
“Scott is a rider who, in spite of his young age, has significant experience in MotoGP. We are pleased to have him join our project and we think that his talent and the continued growth of the RS-GP will allow the team and him to achieving important results,” said Aprilia racing boss Romano Albesiano.
“Our bike has grown consistently, race after race. The goal to battle stably in the top ten has been more than achieved. And while further steps in technical development are on their way already this season, with this agreement with Scott, we are preparing for next season. Aprilia will be at the starting line with a pair of quality riders that have interesting potential.
“Aleix is demonstrating more and more that he is a high quality rider and a guarantee for the team. With Scott’s contribution, we expect that the team’s work will bring Aprilia even closer to the top of the championship, into the positions that such a glorious brand deserves to occupy.
“At the same time, we bid Sam Lowes farewell, certainly thanking him for his commitment and efforts during this, his rookie season in MotoGP, and for the contribution he has made to the team’s growth. He is a rider who will doubtless be able to express his talent, but right now we must make choices that allow us to fulfil our commitments to the Piaggio Group and our fans. We will continue to work together with the efforts we have always made so that he can have a good season finale and we wish Sam all the best for his career in the future.”
Lowes now has a chance to stay in MotoGP with Marc VDS if a deal can be struck, but he will also have a queue of Moto2 teams banging on his door.
