Spanish Moto3 star Aron Canet will step up to the Moto2 World Championship next season with the Sama Qatar Ángel Nieto outfit.

Canet is currently contesting his fourth season in grands prix and is locked in a battle for the Moto3 title. Two wins and six podiums from the first 11 races of the season mean he lies just a point shy of the leader, going into a crucial final phase of the championship before he embarks on a new challenge.

“I am excited about the step up to Moto2. After four seasons in Moto3 I am fighting for the title but I have decided to take the decision already to move up in category and to do it with the Ángel Nieto Team,” said Canet.

“Jorge Martínez is an important figure in motorcycling and he and his team are offering me everything I want, which is a local team and a family environment.

“I am happy to be joining the Ángel Nieto Team, who have celebrated a lot of titles, won a lot of races and even more podiums. They have a lot of experience and will be able to give me the advice I need to help my career progress.”