Gino Rea is relishing the prospect of being part of Team Gresini in Moto2 this year, but knows he has a lot to learn, writes Danny Butterwick.

After impressing in the World Super Sport 600cc Championships in 2009 and 2010, Epsom-based Rea will make his debut in the Moto2 World Championships riding a Moriwaki MD600 having this week been confirmed as one of Gresini riders for the coming season.

The 22-year-old, who is joined in the team by Thai rider Ratthapark Wilairot, starts his maiden Moto2 campaign in Qatar on April 8 and cannot hide his excitement.

“It is a new team for me, new bike, new circuits, new competitors and a different lifestyle and I can’t wait,” he said.

“I don’t think words can express my excitement. To sign for such a well respected team in the Grand Pix paddock is a dream come true.”

Team Gresini, who last year tragically lost star MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli when he was killed in an on track crash, are no strangers to success having won the Moto2 World Championships – which runs alongside the MotoGP campaign – in their debut season in 2010.