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MOTOGP: Aprilia Considering Dropping Moto2, Returning To MotoGP
The Aprilia factory may not go ahead with plans to manufacture a Moto2 chassis and could back a second World Superbike squad in '10.
Dennis Noyes  |  Posted November 19, 2009   Borrego Springs, CA
Aprilia's Marco Simoncelli impressed in his one off ride at Imola (Photo: Aprilia Racing)

According the very reliable Spanish website Motoworld.es, the Aprilia factory may not go ahead with plans to manufacture a Moto2 chassis. An exclusive article by Juan Pedro de la Torre states that executives of the Piaggio Group are considering the possibility of returning to MotoGP under the new rules that will allow 1000cc production-derived engines in 2012.

There was already some opposition within the factory about putting the Aprilia name on Moto2 machines that will carry Honda engines.

The author states that Aprilia are now planning to concentrate on their RSV4 by backing a second team in the World Superbike Championship. This second team might include Álex De Angelis, the rider from the Republic of San Marino who lost his MotoGP ride with Team San Carlo Gresini. De Angelis was also linked with Scot Honda, but was again left without a place on the MotoGP grid when the team was unable to put together a deal with Honda.

Five Moto2 teams were originally planning to run Aprilia frames but yesterday both Team Aspar riders, 125 World Champion Julian Simon and 2008 125 World Champion Mike di Meglio tested the BQR Boiling Blood chassis at Valencia. According to team manager Ricard Jové the purpose of the test was to give the riders and opportunity to get some feeling for the weight, power, and engine braking of a Moto2 machine, but it is possible that Jorge Martínez (“Aspar”), the team owner, had knowledge that Aprilia was reconsidering their plans.
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