Tech3 Racing team confirm that Marco Bezzecchi and Philipp Öttl will compete in their Moto2 Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad for the upcoming season, with Moto3™ Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi and Jerez lightweight class winner Philipp Oettl both moving up to Moto2™ in 2019 with the newly-branded Tech 3 Red Bull KTM Moto2™ team.
Marco Bezzecchi: “I am very happy about this opportunity. Going to the Moto2 class was my goal and doing it with a team like Tech3 is really important. I have to thank all my Team Prüstel Moto3 for all support they have done for me over this year. I will try to do my best in this second part of the season to achieve the best results at each race. I also thank the VR46 Riders Academy for helping me on this journey. Now I want to think only about finishing this season in the best way. I am focused and determined. This news will be an additional motivation to reach my goal.”
Philipp Oettl: “I’m very happy to graduate together with Tech3 and KTM to Moto2, plus I’m grateful to make this step together with the KTM family. I’m very sure, I’ll have the best possible material and the ideal surroundings in order to have a great start in the intermediate category. I already can’t wait for this challenge in 2019!”
Hervé Poncharal, Team Manager: “I’m extremely happy to announce the Red Bull KTM Tech3 Moto2 team. It’s been a while since we’ve been working on the line up and today it’s a great pleasure for me to announce that Marco Bezzecchi, currently leading the Moto3 championship, together with Philipp Öttl, Spanish GP winner in Jerez, will join our team. I have always been trying to find young talents and help them to grow and clearly both, Marco and Philipp have everything it takes to become top riders in the Moto2 class - of course, with a bit understanding of this new category. For me this is the perfect moment to do it because as everybody knows the Moto2 is going to have a drastic change; we will have a new engine from Triumph and a new ECU from Magneti Marelli, therefore it’s an ideal time for Marco and Philipp to join the championship. I would like to tell them: Thanks for your trust and be sure that the whole Moto2 Tech3 Racing team will be 100 percent behind you, doing everything we can to give you what you expect and what you deserve.”