Australia will have a full-time representative in MotoGP next year, with Bryan Staring signing a deal to ride Gresini’s CRT entry.
Staring, 25, is a former Australian Superstock and Superbikes champion and has been a front-runner in the Superstock 1000 class over the past two years.
It will be Staring’s debut in the MotoGP class, but not his first start at international level. He made a wildcard appearance in the Australian World Superbike round at Phillip Island in 2011 and 2012, riding for his Superstock team Pedercini.
“Racing in the MotoGP class has always seemed very remote, practically unattainable,” said Staring in a statement.
“Now that I have a real chance to race in this championship with Go & Fun Honda Gresini, it is almost unbelievable – a dream come true.
“It’s the greatest opportunity of my career and I will be giving it my best.”
The Gresini team will have two bikes in the field, with Alvaro Bautista retained to ride its factory-specification Honda entry.