Redding inks Aprilia deal for 2018

Bengaluru, August 16: Octo Pramac team rider Scott Reading will join Aprilia Racing MotoGP Team Gresini for the 2018 season.

The British rider will replace Sam Lowes and pair up with the more seasoned Aleix Espargaro on the Noale factory's RS-GP.

Scott Redding signs for @ApriliaOfficial @GresiniRacing for 2018#MotoGP 📰 https://t.co/4Yk3SgfDJt pic.twitter.com/OIFIAwurcK

— MotoGP™🇦🇹🏁 (@MotoGP) August 14, 2017

"Scott is a rider who, in spite of his young age, has significant experience in MotoGP. We are pleased to have him join our project and we think that his talent and the continued growth of the RS-GP will allow the team and him to achieving important results," said Aprilia Racing Manager Romano Albesiano.

Redding had his initiation into Grand Prix racing with an Aprilia in the 125 class. In the 2008 season, his rookie year, he took a win at his home GP in Donington Park. In 2010, he moved over to Moto2, where he would remain for four seasons, taking 3 wins and 11 podiums. In MotoGP since 2014, as his best result, he boasts a third place finish at Misano in 2015 and Assen in 2016.

Now Lowes' future in MotoGP now hangs in the balance, with a berth at Marc VDS Honda his only chance of remaining on the grid for 2018.

Albesiano thanked Lowes for his contributions to the team.

"We bid Sam Lowes farewell, certainly thanking him for his commitment and efforts during this, his rookie season in MotoGP, and for the contribution he has made to the team's growth," Albesiano added.