RISING motorbike star Charlie Nesbitt is delighted to have signed for the Monlau Group as he gets ready to race in the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship.

The 15-year-old, from Swindon, has joined the group ahead of the coming series, which will which get under way at the end of April, with the first race due to take part in Spain’s Ciruito de Albacete.

This series is a step up from last year, where Nesbitt claimed victory in the Motostar British Moto3 Championship, but the Royal Wootton Bassett Acamedy pupil admits he is looking forward to getting started.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for me,” he said. “My family and I have given so much and worked so hard to get us here, and whilst I feel I have earned this opportunity, it still feel very lucky to be riding for a team like Monlau Group.”

Nesbitt has been receiving coaching and advice from MotoGP rider Scott Redding, but he will now also be able to draw upon the vast experience of Michael Bartholemy and his Marc VDS team.

Bartholemy has more than 20 years of experience and has navigated his team to become World Moto2 championship winners, in addition to having a MotoGP win to their name.

The Monlau Group also boast a reputation of bringing through bright young talent such as Marc Marquez, who has gone on to win three MotoGP titles The move means Nesbitt can look forward to being well supported for the race season, allowing the youngster to focus purely on the track.

The championship is seen as a shop window for up-and-coming talent and the teenager is eager to get started later this year.

“I am really positive about 2017 because I have an amazing group of experienced people around me that I can turn to for help and advice,” he added.

“I must thank my all my sponsors over the years that have enabled me to get this far and also Scott Redding, Michael Bartholemy and the Monlau Group for believing in me.”