Motorcycling Australia (MA) has announced announce the all-new bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup has officially aligned with the Road to MotoGP program with the support of Dorna Sports

This announcement comes as a huge boost for the already exciting junior road racing academy, with MA re-launching the program as the Oceania Junior Cup – formerly known at Oceania Rookies Cup.

Dorna Sports os the commercial rights holders and promoters of MotoGP, WorldSBK, Asia Talent Cup and British Talent Cup. Dorna has also co-organized the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup since its inception in 2007, and its endorsement is a significant development that adds the Oceania Junior Cup to the esteemed list of Dorna Road to MotoGP programs around the world.

The Dorna commitment provides five guaranteed positions in the 2019 Asia Talent Cup Selection Event for riders from the Oceania Junior Cup, and cements MA’s objective to develop clear pathways for junior road racers in the Oceania region.

“For Dorna to endorse the Oceania Junior Cup under the Road to MotoGP program is an exciting opportunity for all involved and adds a substantial level of credibility to what we are trying to achieve,” explained MA president Peter Goddard. “Such an important partnership cements the key criteria of the program, creating a clear progression plan between the Oceania Junior Cup and the world stage. The development of the next World Champion from our region has received a huge boost today.

A high percentage of riders across MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 classes are products of the Road to MotoGP program, with every permanent rider in the Moto3 World Championship now having raced in an aligned series.

“We are delighted to welcome another series to our Road to MotoGP program,” adds Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. “The Road to MotoGP is going from strength to strength and has an incredibly successful record in finding and promoting talent. The bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup will be an asset to the program and perfectly complements our aims for the Oceania region. We’re excited to begin this new collaboration.”

The response from MA and Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ) members has been phenomenal, with the program over subscribed and applications coming in from nearly every discipline of motorcycle racing as young riders seek an opportunity to be involved.