Aprilia drops out of Moto2 championship
Parent company Piaggio unhappy over having to use Honda engine
24 November, 14:19
(ANSA) - Rome, November 24 - Italy's Piaggio group
said on Tuesday that its Aprilia motorcycle marque would not be
racing next year in the new Moto2 Grand Prix class.The Moto2 class replaces the old 250cc class which saw Aprilia triumph for many years running with riders like Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi and Loris Capirossi. The decision by the parent company to not enter Aprilia in the new Grand Prix class was based on the fact that, after a transition year in 2010, all bikes would have to mount 600cc engines made by rival Honda.
Piaggio said in a statement that it would be "useless and damaging for the image of a great Italian and European motorcycle manufacturer - which has won 43 world titles in track and off-road championships - to take part in a competition in which it would be obliged to use technology developed by a rival manufacturer".
Next year will see the old 250cc bikes compete with modified Moto2 models and Aprilia had initially signed up for the transition season to race with its own bikes.
By dropping out of the Moto2 championship, the Piaggio group next year will only be racing in the 125cc Grand Prix class, with its Aprilia and Derby marques, and the SuperBike championship.
Aside from using the same engine, the Moto2 class will see teams limiting the use of electronics, using steel rather than carbon-fibre brakes and all mounting Dunlop tires.
photo: Valentino Rossi racing an Aprilia 250
