Antonio Banderas Moto2 team takes shape

Another step in the preparation for the inaugural Moto2 season in 2010 was taken this week as confirmation came that Promoracing plan to race in the new category, with backing from Spanish actor Antonio Banderas.

Team manager Dani Devahive explained to motogp.com that his Promoracing outfit – currently preparing for the final round of the CEV Buckler 2009 (Spanish National Championship) in Valencia this weekend – will race as ‘Team Jack & Jones by Antonio Banderas’ in the Moto2 category next year, with title sponsorship due to be signed this week.

A rider line-up of Joan Olivé, who finished this year’s 125cc World Championship in ninth place, and Kenny Noyes will take to the track for the team, after both had their first experiences on the Promoracing Moto2 machine during last week’s Valencia test.

“We're very happy as after 10 years of hard work in the Spanish Championship and other various international projects, we have finally reached our goal: to move up to the World Championship with our own team, two riders and a strong technical structure. The new Moto2 class is the best possible opportunity for us to showcase our potential,” Devahive told motogp.com.

“Antonio is a big fan of motorcycling and he first became involved in the project when we were looking for a sponsor. He had a look at our history and what we have achieved in the Spanish Championship and decided to commit himself to our project, becoming the team owner. Within the team he'll be a great source of inspiration and motivation for the riders and everybody, but he will also raise the media exposure of the team, which will be important for us to secure more resources and ultimately get more and more competitive.”

The unveiling of the team is due to take place in Madrid in late January or early February of 2010, and Devahive explained the long-term aim for a premier class package.

“With a very busy schedule, it won't be easy for Antonio but he'll try and come to as many races as possible. He's used to waking up at 4am to watch the races as he lives in Los Angeles!” Devahive said.

“He's very keen on this project and just like me, the ultimate goal is to race in the MotoGP class. Looking at how things are going and at the possible rule changes, it seems that within a couple of years a privateer team will be able to move up to MotoGP, with the adequate sponsorship and media profile. That's our target and that's why Antonio wanted to come into the Championship with a new team, starting from scratch and building a new outfit.”