Luca Marini will ride for the Rossi-Aspar CEV Repsol team in Spain next year.

Two of the biggest names in racing are joining forces to help young riders to on the journey to grand prix racing via the Spanish-based CEV Repsol series.

With four world titles as a rider and six more as a team manager, Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’ is adding his experience to that of nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi in a new partnership that aims to open the path to grand prix for a host of young riders.

Through his recently-opened VR46 Racing Academy, iconic Italian Rossi is already helping young riders get started and now he will have a legal, logistical and sporting infrastructure to take them to the very top.

The idea is that the best young riders from Rossi’s academy will take the step up to the CEV Repsol within the team run by Martínez ‘Aspar’.

“It is great to see Valentino Rossi starting to think about the future of young riders and that he has chosen the Aspar Team to be a part of his project,” Martínez ‘Aspar’ commented.

“Valentino is thinking about the future, investing his time and effort in fresh talent and he has opted to call on the experience of our team, which has a strong history.

“It is a great source of satisfaction that he has chosen the Aspar Team to help him carry this project forward. We will work to find the best way to co-ordinate our efforts and bring as many riders through from his academy as possible.

“I am sure it will be a fruitful relationship for both parties because the best riders from the VR46 Racing Academy will have the means to compete in the CEV Repsol, even the world championship, and we can continue our own project of developing young talent.”

Rossi is excited to see the project evolve as new talent emerges through the program.

“Jorge is a great person who is in charge of one of the best teams in the paddock,” Rossi said. “We have known each other well since my first GP back in 1996 and I can remember many great battles with him in 125. I like the way he works, which is backed up by his longevity in the world championship.”

“The same is true of Gino Borsoi, Jorge’s right-hand man, who I raced with when we were both young. I am delighted that we have reached this agreement together.

“Initially I will help young riders through the recently created VR46 Racing Academy, the idea being that the best riders from the Academy will be taken by Jorge to contest the CEV Repsol with the Aspar Team.

“I think it is one of the best teams around and I can’t think of a better place for young riders to develop.”

As a result of the partnership, Rossi’s half-brother Luca Marini has been confirmed for the Aspar CEV team for next season. He made his world championship debut in Moto3 at Misano, but crashed out on the opening lap.

Rossi also recently announced he will form a team in the Moto3 World Championship for 2014 (click here for details).

Romano Fenati is the lone rider confirmed for the Sky-backed team to be managed by Vittoriano Guareschi ahead of Valencia’s season finale this weekend.