Sky Racing Team VR46 Announces Plans For Two Race Teams in 2017

Sky Racing VR46, which has had a successful 2016 Moto 3 season, is excited to announce its debut in the Moto2 circuit, as well as its continued growth of its Moto3 team. Sky Racing VR46 says that focusing on support for the riders is paramount, which includes all the pre-season activities both on and off-track.

"Thanks to commitment and hard work, we were able to improve the performance in qualifying and consequently in the races. In 2016 we made the first row ten times in qualifying, with three different riders in pole position. This was an important growth of the entire Team, but also of the individuals: in two seasons, Andrea Migno has achieved his goal of doubling the points compared to the previous season, while Nicolò Bulega conquered the the podium at 16 years old at his fourth race in Moto3 (fifth if you consider the wild card in Valencia in 2015). A great rookie year for the Italian rider, always competitive and close to the top finishers."

In 2017, the Team founded to support the young Italian riders will continue its growth path in Moto3 and will make its debut in Moto2 with a completely new graphics and logo inspired by the liveries of the early 90s. The name of the Team is enclosed by a circle, a reminiscence of motorcycle wheels and a representation of movement, union and harmony.

Oakley has announced official backing of Sky Racing VR46, supporting both Moto3 and Moto2. Among the other official partners are Monster Energy, Dainese and AGV, who have been with the Team since 2014.

Francesco Bagnaia (20 years old) will return to dress the colors of the Sky Racing Team VR46 with the number 42. After the experience with him in 2014, Sky continued to support Bagnaia in the following two seasons in Mahindra. In 2015, he signed a contract with the Aspar Team on Mahindra, and he got his first career podium at Le Mans. In 2016, Bagnaia achieved — for the Indian manufacturer — victory in two occasions (Assen and Sepang), closing the season in 4th place in the standings (145 points) with 6 podiums. In September of the same year he moved to Sky Racing Team VR46 for the 2017.

Alongside Bagnaia will be Stefano Manzi (17 years old with number 62): instinctive, always ready for new challenges and with a great desire to learn as much he can from this category. In 2015 he made his debut in the Moto3 World Championship with Team Italia, and in 2016 he signed a contract with Mahindra for racing in the CEV. The turning point was in September at Silverstone, when as a wild card, he achieved a 4th place finish (started from the 34th box of the grid). The following week he joined the VR46 Riders Academy and then the Sky Racing Team VR46 for 2017 in Moto2.

Andrea Migno (21 years old) and Nicolò Bulega (17 years old) are confirmed in Moto3. With them the Sky Racing Team VR46 is ready for fighting for the Top positions in the 2017 season. On their KTM, with number 16 and 8, they are ready to back on track. Hard worker, always ready to support the team and always smiling, Migno — with the Top Italian riders in Moto3 — is looking forward to continue his growth path. 2016 was a year that saw an incredible step forward for him: thanks to his constant commitment both on and off the track. Andrea was on the podium in two occasions (Assen and Valencia) and got pole position in Motegi.

In the garage alongside him, the energy of Bulega: determined, competitive and who conquered an incredible number of fans in his rookie season. Nicolò won the title with the VR46 Riders Academy Junior Team, becoming the first Italian to achieve this goal. A week before, he made his debut in Moto3 as wild card in Valencia with the Sky Racing Team VR46. In 2016, with SKY VR46 in Moto3, he closed the season in 7th place in the standings.