Baldassarri, Sofuoglu in contention for 2022 WorldSSP deals after MV Agusta test

Moto2 rider Lorenzo Baldassarri could be set for a switch to WorldSSP after taking part in last week’s Jerez test with MV Agusta.

Robert Jones

01 Dec 2021

Lorenzo Baldassarri, Moto2, Algarve MotoGP, 5 November 2021
© Gold and Goose

Long-time Moto2 rider Lorenzo Baldassarri looks set for a switch to WorldSSP after taking part in last week’s Jerez test for MV Agusta.

The Italian rider joined the team’s full-time 2021 rider Niki Tuuli - another former Moto2 competitor, while WorldSSP300 hotshot Bahattin Sofuoglu was also part of the team’s testing plans.

The MV Agusta team was only able to provide two bikes across its three riders as they still await parts from the season finale that took place ten days ago in Mandalika, Indonesia.

Despite this, Baldassarri and Sofuoglu were able to share time aboard an MV Agusta package that saw Tuuli finish 11th in the championship.

While no confirmation from the riders or team about whether they will be signed for 2022 has officially been announced, Team Principal, Andrea Quandrati, said the ‘idea is to do something’ with all three.

Speaking to the official World Superbike website, Quandrati said: "With Baldassarri we didn’t know each other before this test and the purpose was exactly that.

"He was interested to know more about this category, the Pirelli tyres and now we will speak in the next week and see if there is the chance to do something together.”

"Also with Bahattin and Niki we would like to; I personally would like to do something with them."

Should MV Agusta Reparto Corse sign both Sofuoglu and Baldassarri, it would see the Italian manufacturer have the largest team on the grid.

In Baldassarri’s case, it would also mean joining Nicolo Bulega in the intermediate class after the former VR46 academy rider signed for Aruba.it Ducati alongside Oli Bayliss.

While Baldassarri joining WorldSSP would be a big coup for the championship, it’s a move that just two years ago would have been unthinkable as the 25 year-old was highly touted for a MotoGP ride.

But the Italian rider, who also rode for MV Agusta in Moto2 during 2021 has had two very disappointing seasons, none more so than this season as he could only manage a best of 14th which has left him without a Grand Prix ride.