Avintia MotoGP rider Hector Barbera will step down to the Moto2 class with the Pons outfit for 2018 as part of an all-new line-up for the Spanish team.
Barbera – who finished runner-up in the 2009 250cc world championship with Pons – has contested the premier class since 2010, first with the Aspar team on a Ducati before moving to Pramac.
The Spaniard moved to the Avintia outfit in 2013 on an FTR CRT machine, before returning to Ducati power midway through 2014.
Barbera has proven a solid quantity aboard the Desmosedici, finishing the 2016 season 10th in the standings on a GP14.2. However, a switch to the GP16 for this year has seen him struggle.
Admitting his ambitions in the premier class have not benn realised, Barbera jumped at the opportunity to return to a team with whom he enjoyed great success with.
“From the first year I arrived in the world championship I have always been fighting to win races, achieving two runner-up spots,” he said.
“But after eight years in MotoGP the goals have not been achieved, as it is a championship in which more means are needed beyond the rider.
“When I saw the opportunity to return to Sito Pons‘ team I did not think about it. Together we were second in the overall standings, winning several races and I think I’m in the moment to risk and make such a decision.
“I am very excited and I have the motivation to start this new project. I also want to thank Avintia Racing who facilitated the termination of the contract.”
Barbera is aware adjusting from 1000cc MotoGP machinery to a 600cc Moto2 bike will be difficult to begin with.
However, he nevertheless believes his experience will see him fighting at the front of the intermediate class
“The goal is none other to fight to win races and the championship.
“It will not be easy but I am at my best; I have the experience, I am physically and mentally prepared, and both Sito and his technical team can give me what it takes to achieve it.
“I am grateful to Sito and the sponsors for the trust placed in me and I want to return it with results.”
Barbera will be joined by 2016 Misano Moto2 race winner Lorenzo Baldassarri, both riders replacing Fabio Quartararo and Edgar Pons – that former linked with the Speed Up team.
Baldassarri’s current Forward Racing team-mate Luca Marini – half brother of Valentino Rossi – recently announced his signing to the VR46 squad for 2018.
In MotoGP, Barbera‘s place is expected to be take by one-time Moto2 race winner Xavier Simeon. He will join Tito Rabat at the team next season, replacing Loris Baz.
