Moto2: Bulega replaces Bagnaia at VR46 for 2019, Marini stays put

Nicolo Bulega is set to move up to the Moto2 World Championship in 2019 and replace Francesco Bagnaia at the VR46 Racing Team when the latter moves onto the Pramac Racing Ducati. Bulega, who has so far had a very sub-par 2018 campaign, has had two podiums in Moto3 – both of which came in 2016 and his last was at Motegi that season.

2018 has been a disaster for Bulega, with just two point-scoring rides and a best of 11th at Assen being the highlights. The tall, 1.8m frame of the Italian is thought to be too big for Moto3 and may well be a key reason why he is set to move to Moto2.

The SKY VR46 outfit has had great success in 2018 in Moto2, with Francesco Bagnaia narrowly leading the championship by 8 points from Miguel Oliveira, whilst teammate Luca Marini is 11th but in fine form, having achieved three podiums from the previous four meetings.

“After three years in Moto3™, I feel ready to embark on this new adventure. I will give the best of myself because I am very motivated, and I am very happy to have the Sky Racing Team VR46 at my side for this key moment in my career,” said Bulega, who will enter his fourth season of Grand Prix motorcycle racing in 2019.

“I will continue to stay focused on this season, but it’s true that I’m looking forward to getting on my new bike.”

In Moto3, young Italian Celestino Vietti Ramus will replace Bulega in the Moto3 outfit, joining Dennis Foggia in the team.