Gino Rea has been left without a ride after the new ESGP squad abandoned plans to race in the Moto2 world championship.



Rea, a former World Supersport race winner, switched to Moto2 with Gresini last year, the highlight of which was a wet podium at Sepang.

ESGP were present on the provisional 2013 Moto2 entry list and, although no rider was listed, Rea says he had agreed to ride for the team and tested the FTR in Spain before Christmas.



But a lack of funding has ended his hopes. “I verbally agreed to ride for the team at the end of last year and everything was looking good to go using the British built FTR,” said Rea. “As it's a new team, it was hard for them to get an entry into Moto2 but they managed it.



“Unfortunately the team failed to secure enough budget to complete the 2013 season and we lost our sponsor Crimea GP. It went downhill from there and now they've pulled the plug and I'm left with no ride.”

Rea had started his preparations for 2013 by joining double World Superbike champion James Toseland and Moto2 rookie Danny Kent on an intensive winter training regime.



“I've been working hard to prepare for this season and have been training with James. Fitness-wise, James was always the fittest in the sport, so to train with him has helped me even more to prepare physically and mentally.”



His Moto2 plans ruined, Rea also has little time to find an alternative series - the opening World Superbike and Supersport round taking place in just a few weeks.



“If I can find a sponsor or raise some funds we could continue but it's getting very late,” he confirmed.



“If I were to find a ride in World Supersport or World Superbike I would have to miss the first race because it starts so soon and the bikes are in the crates on the way to Australia.

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“If anyone can help me you can email me at rearacing@sky.com"

ESGP's departure could also mean that FTR do not have a full-time 2013 Moto2 entry.