Gresini Racing have wheeled in two-time world champion Manuel Poggiali as their rider coach for all three MotoGP classes - which includes Britain's Sam Lowes - as well as those in domestic series.
Poggiali was the unofficial helper last season but team boss Fausto Gresini wanted to make it a more official appointment in 2019.
“We don’t want to leave anything to chance; I believe Manuel is the right guy to help us on many levels” said Gresini.
“As a former World Champion, he’ll bring a winning mentality and help our riders, from the youngsters of the CIV to the World Championship ones.”
“He will be of great help of the team. This is also an opportunity for him to experience the paddock in a different way after knowing it perfectly as a rider. The idea behind is that he can mentor the riders while making his way into a team managing role as our team keeps growing year after year.”
