Ballyrobert rider Coates rejoins Spanish team

Newtownabbey’s Nikki Coates makes a welcome return to the highly-competitive European Moto2 Championship after rejoining the Spanish Team Stratos /Ariane Moto2 squad where he will partner Alejandro Medina.
Nikki Coates pictured at Spanish Moto2 championship in 2011. INLT 08-913-CONNikki Coates pictured at Spanish Moto2 championship in 2011. INLT 08-913-CON
Nikki Coates pictured at Spanish Moto2 championship in 2011. INLT 08-913-CON

The 26-year-old rider from Ballyrobert competed in the Spanish Moto2 Championship in 2011, and has since taken part in the British Supersport, Superstock and Irish Supersport championship, claiming several race wins, podiums and fastest laps along the way.

In 2014, he put in some great performances on the home front, ending the season as the debut winner of the David Wood Memorial trophy.

Team Stratos has joined forces again with Coates in 2015 as they believe that he is the rider to lead their assault on the European Moto2 Championship, and put Team Stratos Moto2 bikes to the top of the European podium.

Coates will make his first outing for the team on February 27, 28 in Jerez, where Team Stratos, made exclusively, for the Moto2 class, will test the bikes for the first time.

A delighted Nikki told the Times: “I’m really excited to be reunited with part of the team who I worked well with in 2011.

“Now with an even more competitive bike and package I am looking to push on and grab this opportunity with both hands.

“A few injuries in the last two years has slowed down my progression, but I’m back now with a few good performances at the end of 2014 and can’t wait to get started at Jerez.”

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