Barbera and Baldassarri at Pons HP 40 next season

Spanish and Italian line up as it's all change at the intermediate class squad in 2018

Pons HP 40 will welcome Héctor Barberá y Lorenzo Baldassarri as the team’s new riders in 2018, seeing a completely new line up ready to take on the Moto2™ World Championship.

Barbera, who has spent the last eight years in MotoGP™, first raced with the Pons team in 2009 - taking the runner-up spot in the Championship as well as three wins, eight podiums and four poles, and will be gunning for the title. His teammate, Lorenzo Baldassarri, is a race winner in the Moto2™ class already and will similarly be gunning for glory in te intermediate class.

Héctor Barberá: "From the first year I arrived in the World Championship I have always been fighting to win races, achieving two runners-up, but after eight years in MotoGP the goals have not been achieved, as it is a championship in which more means are needed beyond the rider. When I saw the opportunity to return to Sito Pons team I did not think it. Together we were second in the overall world standings, winning several races and I think I'm in the moment to risk and make such a decision. I am very excited and I have the motivation to start this new project. I also want to thank Avintia Racing who facilitated the termination of the contract. The goal is none other than to fight to win races and the championship. It will not be easy but I am at my best: I have the experience, I am physically and mentally prepared, and both Sito and his technical team, led by Santi, can give me what it takes to achieve it. Grateful to Sito and the sponsors for the trust placed in me and I want to return it with results."

Lorenzo Baldasarri: "I am very happy to be part of the Pons HP 40 team for the next season and I want to thank Sito Pons and VR46 for their confidence in this new opportunity in my sports career. I don’t see the time to start working together, but before I have to focus in my current team, give the maximum and finish the year achieving the best possible results."

Sito Pons: "I am very happy with the calibre of our team for the next season. Welcoming Héctor Barberá back in the team a great news. He’s a very fast rider who has fought at the highest levels, knows the team and I am sure we will be able to aim high in the championship. With regards to Baldassari, we’ve been following him closely and we are extremely happy to have him in the team. Despite his young age, he stands out for being very constant, talented and for avoiding mistakes - paramount in such a competitive category such as Moto2. I am sure that both riders will impress us from the beginning."