Moto2: West to stick with MZ Racing

Anthony West has re-signed with MZ Racing for a second season of Moto2 racing as he looks to capitalise on the raft of changes being instigated by the German team.

Having announced a link-up with Italian team Pro Ride - which made two failed attempts to get on the World Superbike grid in 2009 and 2010 -, MZ Racing also confirmed the signing of former WSBK race winner Max Neukirchner for the 2011 season.

However, the team will expand to two entries next year with the retention of West, MZ hoping the former MotoGP rider will prove invaluable when it comes to improving a bike which didn't have the pace to match Suter and Moriwaki in 2011.

"Anthony battled his way through a very difficult first season with our bike, and he scored three top ten results for us," MZ CEO Martin Wimmer is quoted as saying. "He also proved his incredible talent in wet conditions, and he is always a safe bet for a podium finish when it rains.

"He's done a lot for us this year, and we are happy and excited about the continuation of our great working relationship. To have him race alongside with Max Neukirchner is a very promising combination. As we all know."

West and MZ - which was revived as a company in 2009 by former GP racers Wimmer and Ralf Waldmann - received a late entry to the Moto2 series in 2010, but struggled to prove consistently competitive.

Racing with the only MZ chassis on the grid, West proved strong in the wet, though he would be limited to just three top ten race finishes and a best of seventh position.