Lecuona to make MotoGP debut
W
ith Red Bull KTM Tech 3's Miguel Oliveira
ruled out until February next year after un-
dergoing a successful right shoulder operation, the
team called upon 2020 rider and current American
Racing Moto2 contender Iker Lecuona to stand in
at the final Grand Prix round in Valencia. Lecuona
was confirmed to move up to MotoGP with Red Bull
KTM Tech3 during the flyaway rounds. However,
the Spaniard is set to make his premier-class debut
a few days earlier than expected in Valencia, as he'll
take the place of Oliveira for the weekend's race.
"To have this opportunity in my home Grand Prix
is a proud moment for me," said Lecuona. "We
must enjoy this beautiful experience, but above
all learn as much as possible for the future. All
this would not have been possible without the
help and encouragement of Hervé Poncharal,
as well as Eitan Butbul and the American Racing
Team amazing crew; they helped me to grow as a
rider and as a person.
"I also want to wish the best possible recovery
to Oliveira, who will be my teammate next sea-
son. I will give my best in Valencia as I always
do." CN
IN
THE
WIND
P44
MV Agusta
Confirms
2020 Lineup
T
he MV Agusta factory will run
veteran Italian Simone Corsi
alongside incumbent Stefano
Manzi in their factory Moto2 team
in 2020.
Corsi comes in at the expense
of Swiss rider Dominique Aegerter,
who will leave the Grand Prix
paddock and is yet to formally an-
nounce his racing plans, although he's rumored to be switching to World Supersport.
"I'm happy to be back in action in 2020 and even more to do so with a brand as important as MV Agus-
ta," Corsi said. "I would like to thank Giovanni Cuzari, RPM and the whole team for the trust they have
given me and I hope to be able to repay them in turn with results, to be able to bring the famous Italian
brand MV Agusta back to the top of the ranking. I saw that in recent races the bike has grown a lot, Manzi
has achieved good results so I'm even more motivated and ready for this new challenge."
It was also announced that Spanish CEV Moto2 Champion Edgar Pons will return to the Moto2 World
Championship with the Gresini squad alongside Nicolo Bulega. CN
Manzi's late
season form has
seen him keep his
seat at MV Agusta
for 2020.
Lecuona will
get an early
MotoGP start
with the Tech3
team this
weekend.
