Official: Stefano Manzi completes Dynavolt Triumph team for 2022 WorldSSP season

Triumph’s return to WorldSSP is now complete after the team confirmed Stefano Manzi alongside Estonian rider Hannes Soomer. 

With Manzi having officially joined the British team, it also means the VR46 academy rider joins Iker Lecuona, Xavi Vierge, Hafizh Syahrin, Nicolo Bulega, Lorenzo Baldassarri and Maximilian Kofler in leaving the grand prix paddock for that of the Superbike. 

Lecuona, Vierge and Syahrin have all moved across to WorldSBK, while the other four including Manzi will be in WorldSSP. 

"I am really happy to be part of this Team and part of the project to bring Triumph back to the World Championship," Manzi said. "Now I am focused on my winter training to be 100% ready for the beginning of the season. I cannot wait to be back on track and on my new bike."

The opening round of the 2022 season in Aragon won’t be Manzi’s first experience of WorldSSP action after the Italian took part in round nine at Jerez last season - finished with a best of ninth.

Helping Manzi to adapt perhaps quicker than his fellow Moto2 riders from 2021 should be his familiarity with Triumph - all Moto2 bikes changed to Triumph engines in 2019. 

Team Manager Simon Buckmaster added: "We’re really pleased to sign Stefano Manzi from the VR46 Academy to ride with the Dynavolt Triumph team in our return to World Supersport this year.  

"He is an exciting prospect with a good performance level in his seasons in Moto2.  He had a top six finish towards the end of last year so he’s on good form. 

"He competed in WorldSSP so understands the Pirelli tyres and of course, understands the Triumph engine well. 

"I won’t say he is going to surprise a few because a lot of people think he is going to be a good front runner and that is what we want, challenging for race wins and the title.  We can’t wait to get started testing in March with Stefano and of course with Hannes."