Locatelli named as new VR46 academy coach

Roberto Locatelli has been officially confirmed as a new coach at Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Riders Academy following the presentation of the 2019 livery for its Moto2 and Moto3 squads.

The Italian, who claimed the 2000 125cc world title, is set to leave his role as television commentator to coach at Rossi’s academy for 2019.

During the post-season Jerez test, it was confirmed Luca Cadalora would vacate his role as Rossi’s rider coach in order to spend more time with his family.

According to reports in the Italian media, Idalio Gavira, a long-time rider coach at the VR46 academy, is set to step up as Rossi’s own rider coach which was expected to open up the opportunity to Locatelli.

The Spaniard, who joined the VR46 setup in 2016, took on the role as Rossi’s rider coach at the Jerez test last November in place of Cadalora. Rossi is set to confirm his rider coach pick by the start of this season.

The VR46 Riders Academy has confirmed Locatelli has joined the setup as rider coach which would now free up Gavira.

The VR46 Riders Academy held an official launch for its Moto2 and Moto3 squad, after revealing its livery on Italy’s X Factor in December, with Francesco Bagnaia as a special guest as he graduates from the academy as Moto2 world champion to MotoGP with Pramac Ducati this season.

Rossi’s half-brother Luca Marini sees Nicolo Bulega join him in the team’s Moto2 ranks for 2019, with Dennis Foggia and Celestino Vietti forming the team’s Moto3 rirder line-up.