Stefano Manzi, the Moto3 wild card sensation of the British GP, will join Pecco Bagnaia in Rossi’s new SKY VR46 Moto2 next year.
Manzi, fourth at Silverstone, was signed up on the eve of the Valencia GP.
The spot had been earmarked for Romano Fenati, before the Italian star was sacked after major fall-out with Rossi’s Moto3 team at the Austrian GP.
Fenati was meantime confirmed as returning to Moto3 next year, riding an Ongetta Rivacold Honda.
By Michael Scott
Manzi, San Marino Moto3 2016