VR46 confirms Marini, Foggia for 2018

Valentino Rossi's Sky Racing Team VR46 team has completed its 2018 rider line-up by signing Luca Marini alongside Francesco Bagnaia in Moto2, with Dennis Foggia joining Nicolò Bulega in Moto3.

The news means there will be no place for Andrea Migno, who took his first Moto3 victory at Mugello this season, or Bagnaia's current team-mate Stefano Manzi.

20-year-old Marini, half-brother of Rossi, is currently in his second season of Moto2 with Forward Racing. The Italian has finished in the top 10 on five occasions, including a fourth place at Brno.

"I am really excited to start this new experience," said Marini. "Join the big family of the Sky Racing Team VR46, a school of life thanks to the spirit that animates it, is a great opportunity to continue my growth path. I will give my best to come up to expectations. A special thanks goes to the Team Forward, where I made my debut in the championship".

Foggia will step up to grand prix from the CEV series, which he currently leads with three victories.

"Any young rider dreams to debut in the world championship with a team as the Sky Racing Team VR46," said Foggia. "After two seasons in CEV with the Junior Team, I'm happy to face this jump with Sky and the VR46 Riders Academy. Debuting in this big family is a precious opportunity, but also a responsibility. I will continue to work with my new team for my growth path and for new goals."

The Moto2 team will continue with the Kalex chassis and Moto3 squad with KTM machines.

"I am proud to announce that we will continue our double commitment in the championship, with two competitive teams," said team manager Pablo Nieto. "In Moto3 we have ambitious goals and we complete our lineup with Nicolò Bulega, who has decided to ride another year in this category and Dennis Foggia, who will continue his growth path in the Team. From the CEV, where he started and achieved great results with us, to the World Championship.

"After three seasons, Andrea Migno will leave the team. A lot of memories, a journey made by important stages and satisfactions. A human and professional growth. The win at Mugello will remain a special emotion for all the people are working in the team.

"In Moto2, after a first year of experience with results above the expectations, we are ready to keep pace of the strongest guys with Francesco Bagnaia, currently best Rookie in the category, and Luca Marini.

"I want to thank Stefano Manzi for the commitment and hard work of these months in this new category. I wish him all the best for his life and the next professional challenges.

"As always, we will give to these guys all our commitment and professionalism, continuing to have KTM and Kalex on our side, with whom over the years we have established a relationship of mutual trust"