There was a huge announcement in Moto2 today, as it was announced that MV Agusta will return to the MotoGP paddock from 2019 in collaboration with Forward Racing and Suter.
This follows the news that Niki Tuuli will ride in Le Mans. This will be the first time in 42 years that there will be a presence from MV Agusta in the Grand Prix paddock, they have not been seen since 1976 when the legendary Giacomo Agostini rode in the 500cc class. They have a very enviable record overall, with 275 wins to their name, in classes ranging from 125cc to 500cc. They also have a scarcely believable 38 manufacturers titles to bring with them.
They will come into the class with experience in building three cylinder bikes, as they run a factory team in World Supersport with the 800cc F3. They will be unable to build the engine however, as that job is entrusted to Triumph as of 2019 with their 765cc engine, which you can hear being thrashed here. There will also be some external help, as Suter will be drafted in and continue their relationship with Forward Racing, to bring intermediate class knowledge, and will design the swingarm.
We have already seen a possible preview of what the bikes could look like, as seen in the image above when Forward Racing ran a special colourscheme for the Misano race of 2017 in tribute to the MV colours. The rider strongly rumored to be in the frame is PJ Jacobsen, due to his pre existing relationship with the Milanese factory, and is especially liked by the owner Giovanni Castiglioni. The test rider will be announced shortly.
You can read the full details here.
Will this be the move that returns both MV and Forward Racing to the upper echelons of the MotoGP paddock? Let us know your thoughts at Overtake Motorsport!
