125: Taylor Mackenzie signs two-year deal

Taylor Mackenzie, son of former grand prix rider and multiple BSB champion Niall, has signed a deal to race in the final season of 125cc grand prix - then the first year of the new Moto3 class in 2012.

"It's official! I've signed a 2 year deal for Grand Prix with World Wide Group, better known as Ongetta. The 1st year is 125, 2nd is Moto3," Taylor wrote on his Twitter page @taylormac77.

17-year-old Mackenzie raced in several championships this year, finishing fourth in the British 125cc Championship (with three race wins), a best of fifth in the Red Bull Rookies Cup (pictured with Niall) and a best of sixth in the CEV Buckler 125GP Championship.

Taylor also made his first two grand prix starts as a wild-card this year, at Silverstone and then Valencia, claiming his debut GP finish with 21st place in the season finale.

Father Niall took seven 500cc podiums and one pole between 1986 and 1994. The Scotsman's best season was 1990, when he was fourth in the championship for Suzuki.

After retiring from grand prix, Mackenzie - who also raced in 250cc - won the BSB title on a Cadbury's Boost Yamaha in 1996, '97 and '98.