Ukraine incorporated into the World Championship through Vladimir Ivanov

For the first time Ukraine will have a rider in the MotoGP as Vladimir Ivanov takes to the track in the Moto2 World Championship with Team Gresini. As a result the category will become even more of an international affair with a 19th country now being represented.

Born in Saint Petersburg but a Ukrainian national, Ivanov has been one of the surprises of the pre-season. At the official Valencia test he was seventh fastest across all three days, only nine-tenths of a second off leader Julián Simón, despite having only ridden his Moriwaki bike for the first time a few days earlier at the private test at Misano. At the second official test at Jerez the weather prevented him from standing out, but he still finished less than two seconds off the pace of team-mate Toni Elías.

Ivanov, who turned 27 at the end of January, makes his debut on the World Championship stage having previously won the Russian Supersport title in 2003 and 2004. In 2006 he took two podiums in the German Championship, the following year he won three races, and in 2008 was second overall with four victories.

His presence in the Team Gresini set-up comes with the backing of the Crimea Grand Prix Circuit, the construction of which began in 2009 in the Sakskiy district in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the only autonomous republic of Ukraine.

“For me it’s very important to be able to join the Moto2 project of Team Gresini, who are one of the most prestigious teams in the World Championship,” said Ivanov. “I have a lot of experience on 4-stroke bikes, so I am convinced I can be fast in Moto2. I’m very happy to be able to be part of a team with a rider as experienced as Toni Elías, who without doubt will help me achieve good results.”

Team chief Fausto Gresini said: “This is a completely new challenge for Vladimir and already he is soaking up the enthusiasm that this team has given to its rider for many years. I am sure he is in the right place to achieve good results. He has a lot of experience with 4-stroke bikes and this will help him adapt easily to Moto2.”