Moretti and Fontana reinforce Italian presence in 125cc

Riccardo Moretti, reigning Italian 125cc Champion, will ride in this year’s eighth-litre World Championship with Fontana Racing after agreeing a deal with the team.

The 25 year-old from Ravenna took the national 125cc crown in 2009 with four victories and two runner-up spots in the six races of the Italian Speed Championship (CIV), and he will now continue his path with the team directed by Italo Fontana.

“I’m proud to have this opportunity, and at the same time impatient to get on the bike and start my preparations for the Championship!” said Moretti. “The confidence placed in me by Fontana is the best answer to those who think I’m too old to be able to race and win.”

“The Championship and the victories are not given to anybody as a gift and it is important to demonstrate this one more time. I hope to repay the team for their efforts with results, and I will give all my fighting spirit and determination. In this project their advice and experience will be a determining factor.”

Technical Director of the team, Italo Fontana, said: “As soon as the possibility of signing Riccardo for our team in the 125cc World Championship arose, I’ve been waiting to make it concrete. I am convinced he has the quality and potential, and I believe that we can grow together and in the future think about other projects with him.”

Moretti will participate in the 2010 World Championship with an Aprilia RSA that he will ride at the final official pre-season test at Jerez, from March 27-29.