MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta has announced the formation of a new MotoGP initiative for young British riders to get them onto a level playing field with their Spanish and other European rivals.
"Since 1982 we have believed that Britain is the heart of motorsport and the home of the passion for MotoGP," said Ezpeleta. "I remember the time when all the riders were British and all the winners were British."
Ezpeleta launched the scheme during a press conference at the BT Auditorium in London attended by media and a number of riders, including past MotoGP stars Jeremy McWilliams and Alberto Puig who were on hand to explain the new project.
MotoGP Talent Director Puig will lead the project from Spain, with assistance from McWilliams in the UK. The new cup will be eligible for riders born between 2001 and 2005. Interested riders can apply later in the year for selection with results announced at the MotoGP round at Silverstone in August.
Spearheading the new project will be the British Talent Team, run officially in the Moto3 world championship by MotoGP owners Dorna. The first rider for this national team will be current British Moto3 star and race winner John McPhee.
Although now 22 years old, Scotsman McPhee broke his duck last year winning the Czech round of the Moto3 World Championship at Brno and is currently one of the fancied riders to battle for the 2017 Moto3 championship.
McPhee will be the solo rider for the team in 2017, but it is hoped that there will be a two rider entry in 2018.
