Mir joins Marc VDS for 2018 Moto2 season

Mir signed a four-year contract with the Belgian-owned squad, which also has a MotoGP team, but clauses in the deal could allow the 19-year-old to leave earlier in case he receives offers from other teams in the top category.

After making his Moto3 debut in a one-off in 2015, Mir spent his first full-time campaign in the series last year with the Leopard team.

The Spaniard became top rookie in fifth with a win at the Red Bull Ring, become the highest-placed newcomer in the points since Alex Rins in 2012.

The 19-year-old stayed with Leopard for 2017, and kicked off his campaign by winning the first two races in Qatar and Argentina.

He won again at Le Mans and currently leads the standings by 34 points over compatriot Aron Canet, who is also in his second year in Moto3.

Marc VDS has won the first five Moto2 races of the season with Franco Morbidelli and Alex Marquez, who sit first and third in the standings.

Morbidelli has been tipped for a MotoGP graduation with the team in 2018, potentially alongside existing rider Jack Miller, although the Australian has indicated he has other potential options.

Tito Rabat meanwhile is deemed unlikely to keep his seat at Marc VDS, and has been linked to satellite Ducati outfits Avintia and Aspar in recent weeks.