Quartararo joins Speed Up for sophomore Moto2 season

Two-time CEV Moto3 champion Quartararo, 18, moved up to the intermediate category this season after two seasons in Moto3 that yielded a pair of pole positions and second-place finishes.

But the Nice-born rider has endured a difficult season at the Pons squad, his best results being a trio of seventh-place finishes, and lies 16th in the standings with five rounds remaining.

Now it has been confirmed Quartararo will join former Moto3 champion Danny Kent at the Speed Up squad on a two-year deal.

"Moto2 is difficult, and I really need time to adapt. I just begin to understand the bike," he told Motorsport.com at Aragon.

"It's more difficult in terms of riding, and you have to begin to 'think' when you're on the bike. You have to stay focused and have this winners' spirit.

"Moto2 is the class that prepares you for MotoGP, because it's rather the same riding style."

Elsewhere in the Moto2 field, Forward Racing has made its first 2018 signing by securing the services of Stefano Manzi, who has been replaced at Sky Racing Team VR46 by Luca Marini for next year.

Remy Gardner, son of former 500cc champion Wayne, will stay on at Tech 3 for a second year, partnering Dutch Moto3 graduate Bo Bendsneyder.

RW Racing also announced on Saturday evening it will field a pair of NTS chassis for American rider Joe Roberts, currently at AGR, and South African youngster Steven Odendaal.

Interview by William Zinck

2018 Moto2 line-up so far: