Rossi set to run Iannone in 2011 Moto2 team

It is being reported that reigning MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi has launched a bid to help fund a Moto2 project from next season. The squad, as revealed by Motorcycle News (MCN), would be run alongside lifelong friend Uccio Salucci.

With the latest race having been staged at the Motorland Arag¢n circuit in Spain, it was then reported that the Yamaha rider – bound for Ducati in 2011 – was in negotiations with Eskil Suter with regards to a chassis deal.

One of the new outfit’s riders is set to be Italian compatriot Andrea Iannone, who clinched his third victory of the season by crossing the Moto2 finish line first on Sunday.

“It looks like one very high-profile MotoGP rider will have his own Moto2 team next season," a ‘prominent source’ explained to MCN. "Iannone will be one rider. He has interest from just about every team but it looks like he will end up with Valentino."

New 2011 Moto2 entries will be announced by MotoGP governing body the FIM on 8 October, the Friday of the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, with those teams granted acceptance then being required to submit a security deposit of 20,000 euros (17,100 pounds) per rider within the space of the following three weeks.