Aprilia confirms Redding in place of Lowes for 2018

Despite Lowes having a two-year deal to race for Aprilia, it emerged last weekend that the Italian manufacturer had opted to exercise a break clause in the British rider's contract following a string of disappointing results.

While Redding, who has lost his Pramac Ducati ride to Jack Miller, denied an agreement for him to join Aprilia in 2018 was already in place in Austria, he was understood to have been very close to formally signing with the Italian marque.

Now Aprilia has finally confirmed that Redding will join its ranks in 2018, replacing Lowes alongside Aleix Espargaro in the Gresini-run outfit's line-up.

Aprilia will mark Redding's third different manufacturer in five seasons of MotoGP, the Brit having spent two years on Honda machinery - making his debut at Gresini in 2014 - before joining Pramac in 2016.

"Scott is a rider who, in spite of his young age, has significant experience in MotoGP," said Aprilia racing manager Romano Albesiano.

"We are pleased to have him join our project and we think that his talent and the continued growth of the RS-GP will allow the team and him to achieve important results.

"With Scott's contribution, we expect that the team's work will bring Aprilia even closer to the top of the championship, into the positions that such a glorious brand deserves to occupy."

Lowes' future in MotoGP now hangs in the balance, with a berth at Marc VDS Honda his only chance of remaining on the grid for 2018.

"We bid Sam Lowes farewell, certainly thanking him for his commitment and efforts during this, his rookie season in MotoGP, and for the contribution he has made to the team's growth," Albesiano added.

"He is a rider who will doubtless be able to express his talent, but right now we must make choices that allow us to fulfil our commitments to [Aprilia's owner] the Piaggio Group and our fans."

2018 MotoGP rider line-up so far: