MotoGP: Redding confirmed as Lowes’ replacement at Aprilia

Gresini Aprilia have confirmed that Scott Redding will replace fellow Brit Sam Lowes in their MotoGP squad for 2018, after Lowes confirmed at the weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix that they would be bringing his two-year deal with them to a premature end.

First reported a month ago by MCN that Redding was the likely replacement for Lowes despite insistence from the Italian manufacturer that his place was secure, the news was finally confirmed this afternoon in a statement from the Noale team.

Joining Aleix Espargaró on a one-year deal, team boss Romano Albesiano says that he’s confident that Redding’s significant experience will be a bonus to the team as they continue to develop the RS-GP machine.

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“Scott is a rider who, in spite of his young age, has significant experience in MotoGP. We are pleased to have him join our project and we think that his talent and the continued growth of the RS-GP will allow the team and him to achieving important results.

“Our bike has grown consistently, race after race. The goal to battle stably in the top ten has been more than achieved. And while further steps in technical development are on their way already this season, with this agreement with Scott, we are preparing for next season.

“Aprilia will be at the starting line with a pair of quality riders that have interesting potential. Aleix is demonstrating more and more that he is a high quality rider and a guarantee for the team. With Scott’s contribution, we expect that the team’s work will bring Aprilia even closer to the top of the championship, into the positions that such a glorious brand deserves to occupy.”

He also thanked Lowes for his contributions, saying: “We bid Sam Lowes farewell, certainly thanking him for his commitment and efforts during this, his rookie season in MotoGP, and for the contribution he has made to the team’s growth. He is a rider who will doubtless be able to express his talent, but right now we must make choices that allow us to fulfil our commitments to the Piaggio Group and our fans. We will continue to work together with the efforts we have always made so that he can have a good season finale and we wish Sam all the best for his career in the future.”

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