Moto2: Aron Canet switches from Aspar to Pons for 2022

Aron Canet has signed a new two-year deal to remain in the Moto2 class, but will switch from the Aspar to Pons teams.

Canet, a six-time race winner in the Moto3 class, joined Moto2 with Aspar in 2020, where he has claimed three podiums with the Speed Up/Boscoscuro chassis and is presently seventh in the world championship.

The 21-year-old Spaniard had been among those previously linked with the second Aprilia MotoGP seat for 2022 and it is perhaps no surprise that, with Maverick Vinales now expected to take over the RS-GP ride, Canet has confirmed alternative plans.

"There is still a long 2021 season to try to fight for many victories, but I am happy to know that next year I will be part of the Pons Racing team," Canet said. "I want to thank both Sito and the team sponsors for the opportunity they give me and, in this way, return all the trust placed in me with the results that the team deserves.

"After these two seasons with Team Aspar, I think the time has come to part our ways. I take this opportunity to thank them for giving me the opportunity to to debut together and for all the beautiful moments we have spent, and I want to finish this season in the best possible way to give the entire Team Aspar family the satisfaction they deserve.

"I will do my best to conclude my season of the best possible way, but I can't wait to face the new challenges next season will bring us."

Pons, which won the Moto2 title with Pol Espargaro in 2013 and was runner-up with Alex Rins the following year, currently uses the Kalex chassis. Riders Stefano Manzi and Hector Garzo are just 18th and 22nd in this year's world championship.

"We are very happy to announce the signing of Arón Canet for the next two seasons," said team principal Sito Pons. "Arón is a rider who is showing his talent in a highly competitive category such as Moto2, being one of the most outstanding riders and at the same time with more potential, as he is very young.

"He is runner-up in the Moto3 world, he has the experience of having fought for a championship already, and together with the experience of our team, we will give him the tools so that we can fight to be world champions.

"We will surely enjoy many successes. I want to thank our sponsors for the support of this new sporting project that will begin next season, they are the ones who make it possible."