Gino Rea set to stay in Moto2

Gino Rea’s tough debut season in the ultra-competitive Moto2 class won’t be his last, with the Londoner understood to have signed a 2013 deal with the new ESGP squad.

Rea was missing from the provisional 2013 entry list that was released on Wednesday, but he is testing for the ESGP outfit at Almeria today and MCN understands confirmation of his deal will be officially released next week.

The former World Supersport winner will be the lone entry on next year’s Moto2 grid to use a British designed and built FTR frame.

The Gresini Moto2 squad dropped Rea after a tough rookie Grand Prix campaign. The undoubted highlight was a stunning third place in a rain-lashed Sepang race in Malaysia last month.

Struggling to set-up his Suter machine on Showa suspension though saw the 23-year-old score only one other top 15 finish. He was battling for the podium in a rain-affected final round in Valencia when he crashed out of contention.

Rea though will not be able to race next season with his preferred number eight after that slot was taken by Spanish-based Brit Kyle Smith, who will partner 2010 Moto2 world champion Toni Elias in the Blusens Avintia squad.

Rea’s deal will mean four British riders will contest the Moto2 series, with Scott Redding and Danny Kent joining Smith.