Moto2: Alex Rins signs for Pons

Alex Rins has been officially announced as a Pons Moto2 rider for the next two seasons.

Rins came within 0.187s of Moto3 title glory at Valencia last year, then remained alongside Alex Marquez at the Estrella 0,0 team as it moved from KTM to Honda.

While Rins has taken just one win so far this year he was among the names linked with a MotoGP seat at Tech 3 Yamaha next year, but felt the move directly to the premier-class would be too great a step.

Instead Rins will join Marquez in moving to the 600cc class where the pair are set to continue their rivalry. Marquez recently signed for 2014 championship leaders Marc VDS, while Rins will also ride a Kalex for 2013 title winners Pons.

"I think Moto2 is well suited to my riding and my physical condition. It is a category I'm sure I'll enjoy very much," said Rins. "Having the opportunity to work with Sito and his technical team is a 'guarantee'. They have a lot of experience, won the championship last season and are in contention this year. Now I have to focus on my work in Moto3 where I hope to catch the title leader and move to Moto2 as world champion. "

Rins is currently third in the championship, 29 points from Red Bull KTM's Jack Miller, who is tipped to move straight to MotoGP with LCR Honda next year. Marquez is second in the standings.

Pons currently runs an all-rookie Moto2 line-up of Maverick Vinales and Luis Salom. Vinales is expected to be confirmed at the Suzuki MotoGP team for 2015.