Britain’s Sam Lowes has been confirmed with the Federal Oils Gresini Moto2 team for 2016, riding a Kalex chassis.
The Derby-based rider will spend a third year in the Moto2 class as well as being test rider for the Aprilia team before moving to the big class in 2017 with a fully-fledged works bike.
“I would like to thank Aprilia Racing and Gresini Racing for this amazing opportunity and at the same time say a huge thank you to Luca and the Speed Up team for the support they’ve given to me over the past two years,” said Lowes.
“It’s been a very difficult few weeks deliberating over what would be the best situation for my career and, while I had the opportunity to go straight to MotoGP, I followed my heart and listened to supporters who wanted me to try to win the championship next year on a 2016 Kalex.
“I’m determined to achieve that ambition, while also using the time to learn, develop and understand the Aprilia MotoGP bike during the intense test programme, which should help me to get up to speed for the 2017/18 championships.
“In the meantime though, we still have six races to go this season, so I hope to push hard to get into the top three of the championship this year to reward the Speed Up team for all of their work and their belief in me.”
