Sky Italia has acquired the Italian rights to MotoGP from 2014, after signing a deal with the series' commercial organiser Dorna.

Sky will offer comprehensive coverage of all three MotoGP classes across its platforms including free-to-air television, pay television, internet, mobile and the Sky Go service.

As part of the deal Dorna has insisted that Sky will offer at least eight MotoGP races live on free-to-air television each season.

Sky Italia chief executive Andrea Zappia, said: "We are glad we have reached this agreement. It represents a new, decisive and important signal for subscribers who, in years to come, will be able to rely on one of the deepest-rooted sports event in Italians’ hearts.

"That confirms that Sky keeps investing in order to ensure an unparalleled offer by constantly enriching it."

Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna's chief executive added: "Italy is a country with a strong motorcycle heritage, most notably with Valentino Rossi, and we firmly believe that this new partnership will aid in the development of many more local young talents in years to come, such as current up-and-comer Romano Fenati.

"This, coupled with the unparalleled sport programming of Sky will give another boost to the MotoGP World Championship thanks to its original and innovative digital technologies."

MotoGP is the latest addition to Sky Italia's rights portfolio. It will broadcast the London 2012, Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016 Olympics as well as the 2014 Fifa World Cup and, starting next season, the Uefa Champions League.

Mediaset will continue to broadcast MotoGP in Italy for the remainder of this year and next.