Roberto Loc🌊atelli has been officially confirmed as a new coach at Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Riders Academy following the presentation of the 2019 livery for its Moto2 and Mo𓃲to3 squads.

The Italian, who claimed the 2000 125cc world title, is set to leave his role as television commentator to coach a🎃t Rossi’s academy for 2019.

During the post-season Jerez test, it was confirmed Luca Cadalora would vacate his role as Rossi’s rider coach in order to spend more time with🏅 his family.

According to reports in the Ita𝓀lian media, Idalio Gavira, a long-time rider coach at the VR46 academy, is set to🅠 step up as Rossi’s own rider coach which was expected to open up the opportunity to Locatelli.

The Spaniard, who joined the VR46 setup in ♑2016, took on the role as Rossi’s rider coach at the Jerez test last November in place of Cadalora. ꦕRossi is set to confirm his rider coach pick by the start of this season.

The V𒐪R46 Riders Academy has confirmed Locatelli has joined the setup as rider coach which would now free up Gavira.

The VR46 Riders Academy held an official launch for its Moto2 and Moto3 squad, after revealing its livery on Italy’s X Factor in December, with France𝔍sco Bagnaia as a special guest as he graduates from the academy as Moto2 world chamജpion to MotoGP with Pramac Ducati this season.

Rossi’s half-brother Luca Marini sees Nicolo Bulega join him in the team’s Moto2 ranks for 2019, with Dennis Foggia and Celestino Vietti form🀅ing the team’s Moto3 rirder line-up.