Moto3 Worl𒐪d Championship leader Joan Mir will step up to Moto2 next season with Marc VDS.

The young Spaniard, who nꦕow holds a huge 45-point lead for Leopard Honda in the Moto3 standings after vicꦆtory in Catalunya, has agreed a three-year deal with Marc VDS.

The Belgian team, which won the Moto2 title with Tito Rabaওt in 2014, leads this year's World Championship with Franc🐠o Morbidelli.

The Itaཧlian is tipped to join MotoGP in 2018 with Marc VDS - unless he is offered a factory contract elsewhere - while team-mate Alex Marquez's plans remain unknown.

Team Principal Michael Bartholemy said of Mir's deal: "We've had our eye on Joan for quite some time, first in CEV and then in Moto3 when he made his debut in the World Chꩲampionship.

"We saw right a🦹t the start of last year that h🐓e had the talent, drive and determination to be a championship contender and he's proved us right this season.

"I am looking forward to welcoming him into the team and I am confident that the combination of his talent and our technical staff will ensure a smooth and rapid transition from Moto3 championship contender to Moto2 ⛦frontrunner."

The length ಌof Mir's contract has naturally prompted rumours that it includes the chance to join the Marc VDS MotoGP team for the t🃏hird year...