Rabat never considered Moto2 return

Tito Rabat says remaining in the MotoGP premier class was always his number one choice after the former Moto2 world champion confirmed he will ride for Reale Avintia Ducati in 2018.

With no Honda seat for Rabat in the Estrella Galicia Marc VDS team, the Spaniard will ride a Desmosedici GP17 next season, joining the team that gave him his Grand Prix start back in 2005.

Speaking at Misano on Thursday, Rabat said: “This season we are doing a good job, always we are taking points in every race, except the last three we struggled a bit. At Silverstone I feel good in the race, I can make a good start, pass some riders and make a good fight, so I am happy also for the race at Silverstone.

“For the future, first of all I want to say thank you very much to Estrella Galicia and Marc VDS for these two years in MotoGP, also to Marc van der Straten for these four years in his team, winning one title, and after that we think it is time for a change.

“I’m very happy to go to Reale Avintia Ducati for next season, I think it’s a very good opportunity and thank you very much for the opportunity to show that I can be a strong rider in the MotoGP class,” added Rabat, who said he has dedicated his racing career to competing in MotoGP.

“To be honest all the riders make a lot of work and dedicate their life to arrive here in MotoGP. I make a lot of work in my case for stay here and my option is that I always want to stay here in MotoGP.”

Loris Baz and Hector Barbera currently race for Avintia, but both are in danger of losing their seats with Xavier Simeon hotly linked to the remaining 2018 Avintia ride.