CHIPPENHAM-BORN racer Danny Kent will ride for his fourth team of the 2017 season and has secured himself a seat for the next two years after linking up with the Moto2 Speed Up Racing team.

Kent, 23, returns to the Moto2 circuit in Austria for this weekend's Red Bull Ring round with Intact GP, riding a Suter in place of regular rider Marcel Schrotter, who has been sidelined by a broken wrist.

The 2015 Moto3 champion began the Moto2 season with the Keifer team but parted company with the outfit after April's round in Austin, Texas, before going on to replace the injured Iker Leucona at Mugello for the Interwetten Moto2 team at Mugello in June.

He also made two wildcard appearances for his former Ajo KTM Moto3 squad at Le Mans and the Sachsenring but has now secured a more permanent seat after signing for the Speed Up team for 2018 and 2019.

Kent said of his Speed Up move: “I’m really excited about this new opportunity with Speed Up and I can’t wait to get on the bike.

"I’m working hard towards the end of season tests and already excited for 2018.

"This weekend I’m replacing Marcel Schrotter which will be good to get some time back on the Moto2 bike.

"I’d also like to thank Alpinestars and Nolan for their support. 2017 has been tough but it had made me even more determined for the future.”