Moto2 veteran Tom Luthi will make his debut in MotoGP next season with Marc VDS, the Belgian outfit confirmed on Thursday.
Luthi, the 2005 125cc World Champion, has spent the last 11 seasons in the secondary class – under both the 250cc and Moto2 banner – and holds second in this year’s standings.
Luthi will partner current Moto2 title leader Franco Morbidelli at the outfit next year, marking an all-new line-up.
“There were a number of options open to us when we were looking for a MotoGP rider for the 2018 season,” said Marc van der Straten, Team President.
“But Thomas Lüthi was the unanimous choice, despite him being a MotoGP rookie.
“A former 125cc World Champion, his consistency over seven seasons in Moto2 has been incredible, with a sixth place in 2013 the only time he's finished outside the top five in the championship.
“He's been a constant thorn in our side in the intermediate class and this year is no different, with his consistency again making him a serious threat to our title aspirations.
“Tom is a good fit for our team and I am both happy and proud to welcome him to the Marc VDS racing family.”
Marc VDS' announcement of Luthi leaves current racer Tito Rabat without a seat for 2018.
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