Moto2: Navarro stays with Federal Oil Gresini Racing

Jorge Navarro has secured a deal to stay with Federal Oil Gresini Racing for a second year in the Moto2 world championship in 2018.

The 21-year-old Spaniard is enjoying his rookie Moto2 year with Gresini Racing having stepped up from Moto3 after finishing third in the 2016 riders’ championship. Navarro, who replaced the MotoGP-bound Sam Lowes this year, has claimed nine points finishes in the opening 11 races of 2017 and is the second highest-placed rookie only behind Francesco Bagnaia.

Navarro is thrilled to remain in the Gresini fold for a second consecutive campaign in Moto2 and is keen to build on his promising start in the intermediate class.

"I'm really happy to renew for another year with Team Gresini Moto2 and still have Federal Oil at our side,” Navarro said. “I think I'm in the right place - a team that has everything to win and above all a team that has confidence in me.

“It will be great to be able to give continuity to this year's job, a job that starts to bear its fruit and we hope to improve the race after the race already in this second part of the season."

The 2018 deal also sees Gresini retain Federal Oil as its title sponsor for the 2018 Moto2 world championship, extending its relationship which began in 2012.

"I am delighted to have Federal Oil with us for the seventh consecutive season, confirming a job-based partnership with professionalism, shared values ​​and passion,” Gresini said. “The goal will always be to see the motto with our colours. We have decided to renew confidence in Jorge Navarro and Federal Oil has also supported us in this choice.

“We are very pleased with Jorge and his progress: it was important to work together to give continuity to a project with solid foundations and long-term vision."

The deal means Sam Lowes will leave the Gresini Racing fold entirely after being dropped from the factory Aprilia squad in favour of Scott Redding for 2018. Having been open to a potential return to Moto2 in 2018, Lowes will now have to look elsewhere for a potential ride. Lowes secured fifth place in the 2016 Moto2 world championship with Federal Oil Gresini having claimed five pole positions, two wins and four additional rostrums.