Source: Supplied.

Forward Racing will transfer from MotoGP to WorldSBK in 2016 after securing an official agreement with MV Agusta to field both Superbike and Supersport teams in the world championship series.

Chairman of Forward Racing, Giovanni Cuzari, will assume the role of team principal from next season, taking over full responsibility of the MV Agusta Racing Department.

“I’m really pleased to announce that an agreement has been found with MV Agusta,” explained Cuzari. “For a long time we have been aiming to cooperate with an important manufacturer and we have finally succeeded. Working with one of the most iconic brand of Italian motorcycling is a great honour and a privilege for me.

“MV Agusta represents the best the Made in Italy can offer and this collaboration will surely be a great growth opportunity for all in order to reach the top of WSBK and to aim for MotoGP. I am also proud of sealing this agreement with Giovanni Castiglioni, longtime friend of mine as was his father Claudio.

“Giovanni, who together with his family brought back the name of this historical reality from Varese, has put his trust on me and on the experience of our group and I am convinced we can achieve the goals we set ourselves”.

MV Agusta will utilise Italian veteran Marco Melandri for testing, developing the factory 2016 model F4 RC in race trim. The race riders are yet to be officially confirmed under Forward Racing’s management.

It’s understood Forward Racing will cease its premier class MotoGP campaign next season, while maintaining its Moto2 World Championship team.