Aprilia confirms Redding for 2018 MotoGP season in place of Lowes

Despite Lowes having a two-year deal to race for Aprilia, it emerged on the Friday of the Austrian Grand Prix that the Italian manufacturer had opted to exercise a break clause in the British rider's contract a year early after a tough start to his rookie campaign.

Redding, who lost his Pramac Ducati ride for 2018 to Jack Miller, denied on Friday he had completed a deal to join Aprilia but was understood to have been close to reaching an agreement with the Gresini-run team.

Aprilia announced on Monday that Redding will join its ranks next season alongside Aleix Esparagaro, which also formally confirmed Lowes's exit.

Redding's move means he will have ridden for three manufacturers in five years in MotoGP's premier class, having spent two seasons on Honda machinery before joining Pramac for 2016.

"Scott is a rider who, in spite of his young age, has significant experience in MotoGP," said Aprilia racing manager Romano Albesiano.

"We are pleased to have him join our project and we think that his talent and the continued growth of the RS-GP will allow the team and him to achieving important results.

"With Scott's contribution, we expect that the team's work will bring Aprilia even closer to the top of the championship, into the positions that such a glorious brand deserves to occupy."

Lowes' future in MotoGP now hangs in the balance, with a ride with the Marc VDS Honda outfit likely his only chance of remaining on the grid for 2018.

"We bid Sam Lowes farewell, certainly thanking him for his commitment and efforts during this, his rookie season in MotoGP, and for the contribution he has made to the team's growth," Albesiano added.

"He is a rider who will doubtless be able to express his talent, but right now we must make choices that allow us to fulfil our commitments to [Aprilia's owner] the Piaggio Group and our fans."