Lowes to take Luthi's Moto2 bike for 2018

Lowes signed a two-year deal with Aprilia starting 2017, but an underwhelming rookie season led the Italian manufacturer to terminate the contract after a single season.

Following the announcement, Lowes hinted he could return to Moto2, the championship he raced in between 2014 and 2016.

Now it has been confirmed the Briton will replace Luthi in the Interwetten Moto2 squad, where the Swiss rider has raced since 2010 before securing a Marc VDS MotoGP seat for 2018.

"The goal at the start of the year was to do a good job in MotoGP and stay there and the back-up plan, what I'm trying to do now, is going back to Moto2," Lowes explained.

"Try to become world champion, trying to win the British Grand Prix, something I've not done.

"Things have happened for a reason, I'm gonna head back there, hold my head high and try to do great job.

"Thank you for them for putting faith in me to win the championship and that is what I'm trying to do."

Avintia Ducati rider Hector Barbera is also rumoured to be heading to Moto2, with his ride with his current team, the last one with an available seat for 2018, is in jeopardy.

KTM Moto3 rider Bo Bendsneyder has also been confirmed to move up to Moto2, the Dutchman joining Tech 3 Racing.

2018 Moto2 line-up so far:

Team	Driver
Marc VDS	Alex Marquez  Joan Mir
Ajo KTM	Miguel Oliveira  Brad Binder
Sky Racing Team VR46	Francesco Bagnaia
CarXpert Interwetten	Sam Lowes
Marinelli Rivacold Snipers	Romano Fenati
Dynavolt Intact GP	Xavi Vierge  Marcel Schrotter
Speed Up	Danny Kent
Tasca Racing	Simone Corsi
Gresini Moto2	Jorge Navarro
Tech 3	Bo Bendsneyder

Additional reporting by Glenn Freeman