Luthi to MotoGP in 2018
Moto2 veteran set to replace Jack Miller at Marc VDS squad next yearSwiss Moto2 star Tom Luthi is the latest card to fall in the 2018 MotoGP silly season, with the 30-year-old title contender named to replace Aussie Jack Miller in the Estrella Galicia Marc VDS squad alongside 2017 Moto2 rival, Franco Morbidelli.
Luthi, who turns 31 next month, joined the grand prix paddock in 2003 in the 125cc category and scored his first victory two years later, the same year he was crowned 2005 125cc World Champion.
The CarXpert Interwetten rider has been racing in the Moto2 category since its 2010 inception and his sixth-place finish in 2013 was the only time he finished outside of the top five in the championship standings. He finished runner-up to Johann Zarco last year and currently sits second in the title chase behind points leader, Franco Morbidelli.
"There were a number of options open to us when we were looking for a MotoGP rider for the 2018 season, but Thomas Luthi was the unanimous choice, despite him being a MotoGP rookie," said the president of the Marc VDS squad, Marc van der Straten (pictured, below, with Luthi).
"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."
The announcement came on the same day that it was confirmed Moto2 front-runner Takaaki Nakagami would partner Cal Crutchlow in a two-rider LCR Honda squad next year.
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