IN
THE
WIND
P44
Roberts Finds New Seat For 2021
J
oe Roberts is set to join the
Italtrans Racing Team for an
assault on the 2021 Moto2 World
Championship in a shocking
move that will see him leave the
American Racing Team.
The Californian has become
one of the class's leading names
in 2020 while racing a Kalex
chassis, claiming three pole
positions in Qatar, the Czech
Republic and France, as well as
a podium finish at Brno.
His performances have at-
tracted interest from the highly
coveted Italtrans team, a squad
currently fighting for the title with
Enea Bastianini, who will step up
to MotoGP with Ducati next year.
Roberts will link up with
Lorenzo Dalla Porta on Kalex
machinery and aim to win races,
and possibly have a shot at the
world championship.
Italtrans is managed by Rober-
tino Pietri, a former racer who
used to compete in the USA.
John Hopkins, Rider Coach
for the American Racing Team,
as well as Roberts's personal
manager, knows the Venezuelan
Pietri well from his racing days.
Those close to the team are
adamant this is a good move
for all concerned. It will allow
Roberts to flourish in a new
environment. Meanwhile, the
team believes its primary job is to
promote young American talent
before they move on to the next
stage of their career.
Last year Iker Lecuona scored
podiums for them before moving
up to MotoGP with Tech 3 KTM
in 2020. Roberts's move away is
viewed in similar terms.
The American Racing Team is
confident they will sign another
rider currently plying his trade in
MotoAmerica for 2021 to replace
the outgoing Roberts and ride
alongside current teammate
Marcos Ramirez.
Neil Morrison
American Joe Roberts
has found a home with
the Italtrans Racing
Team in Moto2 for
2021. PHOTO: GOLD & GOOSE
