Kiefer Moto2 squad signs Mackenzie to replace Kent

Kent split with the Kiefer outfit following last month’s Austin race, with CEV Moto2 regular Federico Fuligni deputising last weekend at Jerez.

Now the German squad has confirmed that Mackenzie will take over the Suter for the rest of the 2017 campaign, starting from next weekend’s French Grand Prix at Le Mans.

The 21-year-old won last year’s British Supersport Championship and is unbeaten after six races in the 2017 season.

He spent 2012 and ’13 in the Rookies Cup that runs predominantly on the MotoGP bill, while his father Niall claimed seven 500cc podiums in 104 starts between 1984 and ’95 before going on to win the British Superbike title three times in succession from 1996-98.

“I’m excited to take on this tough new challenge and I will give Stefan [Kiefer] and his team my total commitment as I get used to the new bike and circuits,” he said.

The Scottish rider will partner Dominique Aegerter, who is eighth in the championship, with the squad having made an off-season switch to the Suter chassis from Kalex.

"The last few weeks proved out as very hectic for us, after Danny surprisingly announced in Austin, that he won’t no longer available for us,” team boss Stefan Kiefer said.

“So, we had to find a replacement rider which was not an easy task. Our target was to sign a young rider who also has the capability to compete in this hard-fought championship.

“We are very happy that we found with Tarran Mackenzie a young and also successful rider. We will give him the best possible support so he can quickly get familiarised in Moto2.”

Kent will also race at Le Mans, stepping back to Moto3 - the championship he won in 2015 - having received a lifeline to run as a KTM wildcard.