Rossi's Moto2 team keeps Bagnaia for 2018

Two-time Moto3 race winner Bagnaia made the step up to Moto2 for 2017 together with VR46, which expanded into the intermediate class this year running two bikes for the Italian and Stefano Manzi.

Bagnaia lies sixth in the standings after seven rounds, with more than double the points tally of the next-highest rookie after second place finishes at Jerez and Le Mans.

Now it has been confirmed the 20-year-old, who tested a MotoGP bike for the Aspar Ducati squad over the winter, will stick with his current team in Moto2 for one more season.

"Just a year ago, I decided to face the Moto2 challenge with the Sky Racing Team VR46, a team that, with the VR46 Riders Academy and Sky, has always supported me," said Bagnaia.

"Today I'm proud to say that in 2018 I will continue to work in this big family for achieving great results. With more experience I'm sure we will be able to remain close to the top guys".

VR46 team manager Pablo Nieto added: "I'm really happy to confirm that Pecco [Bagnaia] will stay with us next year in Moto2.

"We made our debut in the new category in Qatar, but thanks to this talented rookie and his extraordinary ability to adapt his riding style to the new bike, we have already taken some nice satisfactions.

"His choice to stay in the Sky Racing Team VR46 is an extra injection of confidence for everybody to make even more efforts and give their 100 percent every weekend."