Romano Fenati set for Moto3 return with Marinelli Snipers in 2019

Italian Moto2 rider Romano Fenati, who was banned for pulling a rival’s brake lever while travelling at 217km/h during competition, is set to return to the sport next season.

Fenati stunned the Motorsport world in September after grabbing the brake level of compatriot Stefano Manzi, who was nearly sent over his handlebars, during the San Marino Moto2.

The 22-year-old was promptly dropped by his team, the Marinelli Snipers, and simultaneously had his 2019 contract with MV Agusta terminated.

With his International Motorcycling Federation 2018 licence sanction nearing an end, the Marinelli Snipers have announced the disgraced driver will be re-joining their ranks in the Moto3 series.

“It’s like he would like to start from zero,” Marinelli Snipers tech chief Mirko Cecchini said of Fenati’s demotion to the Moto3.

“This is a new life for him, and OK, he did a mistake, a big mistake, but I think that the media have made it bigger than what he was deserving.”

President of rival team Augusta described Fenati’s brake pull as “the most dangerous act of behaviour”.

Fenati’s return was confirmed as the sport released its provisional riders list for the 2019 season.