Iker Lecuona will get an early shot at the MotoGP class next year after being drafted into the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team.

Lecuona will replace South African Brad Binder who has been promoted to the factory team with Pol Espargaro to fill in the hole left by Johann Zarco’s exit.

“My feeling is that this is the strongest 2020 KTM line-up we could have hoped for. We want to have four riders with talent, passion, will and that they will stick to the project,” said team boss Here Poncharal.

“Personally I am happy to work with a young and talented rookie like Iker. This is the way to go for the future and we have seen that the same approach has brought some success to other teams.

“Let’s start working on 2020: we have the technical support and we have the right people onboard. I believe we will take a big step next year with both Miguel in his second year and Iker keen to show us what he can do.”

Valencian Lecuona has taken two Moto2 podiums in his career so far after making his debut in 2016 at Silverstone. He will ride alongside Miguel Oliveira.