125s: Spaniards join Derbi

The double deal has been brokered by Espargaro's manager Dani Amatriain, who will head the works team through his Motorsport 48 management business following the defection of the Seedorf squad to rivals KTM for 2008.

"Dani has repeatedly shown his ability to lead teams, and Pol Espargaro and Joan Olive are two of the present and future talents of the scene," said Giampiero Sacchi, the race chief of Derbi's parent company the Piaggio group.

"Starting a new era, all involved are very excited and looking for victories."

16-year-old Espargaro is one of the favourites for the world title next year after a brilliant maiden season in which he clinched his first podium finish and took the rookie of the year prize by finishing ninth for Campetella Aprilia.

Former 250cc rider Olive, 23, meanwhile, had the best 125 campaign of his career on a Polaris World Aprilia, claiming a pair of second places on his way to eighth overall.