Moto3: Bastianini signs 2018 deal with Leopard

Enea Bastianini will leave the Estrella Galicia 0,0 Honda team at the end of this season and join Leopard for the 2018 Moto3 World Championshoip. The 19-year-old, a race winner in 2015 and 2016 but yet to trouble the podium after moving to Estrella this season, becomes the first Leopard rider announced for next year. Leopard - world champions with Danny Kent in 2015 - currently lead the standings with Joan Mir, who is joining Moto2 with Marc VDS next season. "I'm delighted to have reached this deal for the 2018 season with the Leopard Racing Team, who have shown in a few years to be an inspirational team and remain at the top of the Moto3 category," Bastianini said. "I am also pleased to be able to continue my experience in the World Championship still riding an official Honda. Finally, I would like to thank my current team for the confidence they gave me, and I will do my utmost in the final part of the season to reach the pre-set goals." Miodrag Kotur, COO of Leopard Racing, added: "We are delighted to welcome Enea Bastianini into our operation. In the last few years, we have faced many opponents and always noted their strengths. Enea is a rider with a great talent and we are confident that he will be able to adapt quickly to our method of working for the world title."