Michael Laverty launches new British Moto3 team for 2022

Former MotoGP and BSB racer Michael Laverty is to launch a new Moto3 world championship team for 2022.

The Northern Irishman, who also works as a television pundit for MotoGP on BT Sport, is to expand his existing MLav VisionTrack Academy to create a two-rider set-up competing under the 'VisionTrack Honda Racing' banner.

The team – which will predominantly be made up of British engineers, technicians, and support staff - has the aim of supporting and developing British talent.

“The path to the pinnacle of motorcycle racing is not an easy one for any rider, but for some time now it has become especially difficult for British youngsters to make it, without a home-grown team competing at the top level," said Laverty, who will be team principal of the new project.

"Far too often young British riders have been overlooked because of a lack of sponsorship or financial support.

“Now, thanks to the fantastic structures and a title sponsor, VisionTrack already in place we know there is a lot of talent out there just waiting for an opportunity. We believe that with the VisionTrack Honda team we can offer them a more supportive route into grand prix racing.

“The UK has a rich history of grand prix success on two-wheels, and our aim is to help change the future by providing a route into the world’s premier motorcycle racing series for our talented youngsters.”

Riders for the new Moto3 team are yet to be announced.

Former British Supersport champion Laverty, who still competes in the endurance world championship, created the MLav VisionTrack Academy in 2020 with the support of VisionTrack CEO Simon Marsh, to identify and nurture young motorcycle racers from the UK in the British Minibike Series.

They have since supported youngsters taking part in the British Talent Cup, which forms part of the Road to MotoGP development programme.