The Moto2 and Moto3 bikes that will be campaigned by Scott Redding, Mika Kallio and Livio Loi, were unveiled last night during an official launch at the Marc VDS Racing Team’s headquarters in Gosselies, Belgium.

Redding is keen to get his fourth season with the Marc VDS Racing underway, after two successful preseason tests in Valencia and Jerez. For Kallio this will be his third season with the team, making the rider line up one of the longest serving in the cutthroat Moto2 class.

Loi, who will make his Grand Prix debut at Jerez this season, was consistent in the dry at the preseason tests at Valencia and Jerez, but it was his pace in the wet that impressed. The 15-year-old Belgian will test again at Le Mans next week, before re-joining his Marc VDS teammates at Jerez for the final preseason test of 2013, starting on 18th March.

Michael Bartholemy: Team Principal
“Our season started with the first test in Valencia, but the launch was the first time we’ve shown the bikes in their 2013 livery. For us the launch is important, because it’s one of the few times in the season that we get to present the team at home in Belgium, where we have a very strong following. With Scott we go into the season as one of the favourites to fight for the championship, but I think Mika may also surprise a few people this year. Livio has already impressed during testing, but we need to remember that this is his debut season and he’s facing a steep learning curve. There is no pressure on him for results in his first year, so I hope he will take advantage of this to gain experience ready for a proper assault on the championship in 2014.”

Marc van der Straten: President, Marc VDS Racing Team
“A hectic race program for both our car and bike teams means that we rarely see both together in the workshop, which is why the team launch is so important for us. We have a lot of support at home in Belgium, particularly from the area close to our headquarters in Gosselies, so it’s good to present both teams here ahead of the new season. This year, under the direction of Michael Bartholemy I fully expect Scott and Mika to be at the front, fighting for race wins and the championship. 2013 will also be a season of firsts for us. It’s the first year for the team in Moto3 and it’s the first time we will have a Belgian rider on our bike. Livio faces a tough debut season, but I have every confidence that he will bank the experience this year, ready to challenge for the title in 2014. The more I see of Livio, the more I am convinced that he will be the guy to put Belgium back on the Grand Prix map.”