Moto2: Pons joins Bulega at Gresini

The Gresini team has completed its 2020 Moto2 rider line-up by announcing that newly crowned CEV  European Moto2 champion Edgar Pons will make his grand prix return, as team-mate to fellow new signing Nicolo Bulega.

Pons, son of former world champion and current Moto2 team owner Sito, raced for his father's team in 2016-2017 before some stand-in rides last season. He has a best grand prix finish of 14th place, but dominated this year's CEV series with sixth victories from the ten rounds.

“First of all, I want to thank the whole Gresini Racing team and especially Fausto for the huge opportunity he has given me," Pons said. "Coming back to the MotoGP World Championship with this team is just incredible and I really can’t wait to meet my new crew and try the Triumph machine.

"This past season I have been racing with the Honda engine, but for sure the 750cc engine will be much more fun to ride. I will give my best to be on my best level and to have the best possible season. I will do my very best to be as close to the front as I can. Thanks again to everybody."

Federal Oil will remain as title sponsor in 2020, as Gresini expands to a two-rider entry.

“I would like to start off with the partnership with Federal Oil, which I consider to be very special. We start the ninth season together and I can’t be more happy to share with them what is going to be a really interesting season," said team boss Fausto Gresini.

"We will have again two riders in this class and with Edgar we add speed and experience. We wanted to be among the protagonists this year but unfortunately we didn’t make it, but our only goal is to return near the front.”

Mattia Pasini had been tipped to get the Gresini seat alongside young countryman Bulega, but now finds himself without a full-time Moto2 ride for the second year in succession.

Sam Lowes, Gresini's only rider in Moto2 this year, is joining Marc VDS.