Scott Redding has signed a new contract with the Marc VDS team that will keep him in Moto2 until 2012 and could even see him race in MotoGP.
The 17-year-old has resigned with the Marc VDS outfit after some improved performances over the course of the inaugural Moto2 season.
After struggling to find the pace in the opening rounds of the season, Redding claimed a fourth place finish at Silverstone in June and finished third in Indianapolis back in August to put him 11th in the championship with five rounds of the season still to go.
“I’m happy to have signed a deal with the Marc VDS Racing Team that will keep me in the Moto2 World Championship for the next two years,” said Redding. “The team are one of the best in the paddock and I really feel at home here. Under the guidance of Michael Bartholemy and Pete Benson I feel I’ve really progressed as a rider and it was the team spirit that really helped me come to terms with the aftermath of Misano.
“Marc van der Straten has shown a lot of faith in me by agreeing a two-year deal and I hope I can repay his confidence with race wins and, ultimately, the Moto2 World Championship title in the future.”
Team President Marc van der Straten even added that there could be a place in the MotoGP class in 2012, with the team strongly considering a move into the premier class series when it moves to 1000cc machines in 2012.
“After years of involvement in four-wheeled motorsport, this year’s foray into the world of motorcycle racing was a step into the unknown for me, but I am now a committed bike-racing fan,” he claimed. “I have been incredibly impressed with Grand Prix racing and very proud of the professionalism shown by Michael Bartholemy and the whole Marc VDS Racing Team this season. It’s this professionalism that has convinced me to back the team for another two years, and also to look at the possibility of a move to the premier MotoGP class in 2012.
“I have also been impressed with Scott, who has shown strength and maturity far beyond his 17-years this season. I have no doubt that he has what it takes to be World Champion and I hope that he can achieve this over the next two years with the Marc VDS Racing Team.”