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Aprilia will not compete in Moto2 (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80329)

By Michele Lostia and Pablo Elizalde   Tuesday, November 24th 2009, 14:40 GMT

Aprilia has announced it will not be competing in the Moto2 championship next year, as it believes it would be detrimental to its image.

The Piaggio Group marque also said it will not supply bikes to privateer teams either.

Moto2, where bikes will use 600cc engines, replaces the 250cc category.

All bikes will have to use Honda engines and Dunlop tyres.

"The Moto2 championship does not present, in the Group's view, technological and sporting characteristics that make Aprilia's participation strategic for this type of competition," said the Piaggio Group in a statement.

"Therefore the Group feels it unnecessary and damaging for the image of a great Italian and European motorcycle manufacturer - who has won 43 world titles in road racing and off-road - to take part in competitions forcibly centered around the engine technology of a rival constructor."

Aprilia had six bikes in the top ten in last year's championship and supplied bikes to the majority of the field.

The Italian manufacturer had a test planned for next month.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80329 (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80329)

I recall having a WTF moment about Aprilia selling a Moto2 bike with a Honda mill.

I'm glad Aprilia made this move.  I'm really not on board with Honda being the sole supplier of engines to everyone.  Yeah it makes the racing closer since everyone has the same power, but it drives away the manufacturers.  No one in the real world cares if you can build a sweet chassis.  Its not your powerplant running in it, so it really has little affiliation to your company.

I agree, good move by Aprilla! [thumbsup] They've got the mojo to make a move like that. I'm proud that they are showing some back bone and doing what they think is best for them and their image. Besides, that will leave that much more for them to put into SBK! [thumbsup]

I would expect to see chassis companies like Harris in this sport (maybe Bimota will have a throw back moment?) but not actual motorcycle companies. I was just hoping that they'd run some 250s in there so I could enjoy them a little longer but I guess not. This is exactly what I was saying about having a one make whatever, in the long run, there's no benefit to the supplier unless they're paid appropriately.

Like I said, no Moto2 team means more Aprillas in WSBK... maybe.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Nov/091124b17.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Nov/091124b17.htm)

http://www.motomatters.com/news/2009/12/08/aprilia_moto2_teams_could_sue_over_withd.html (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2009/12/08/aprilia_moto2_teams_could_sue_over_withd.html)

Did someone mention a lawsuit?  Cuz I feel all happy and tingly down there.   ;D

[laugh]

The lawsuit would be filed by the teams against Aprilia.

Doesn't matter. Any lawsuit makes spidey feel all tingley.

Spidey = Lawyer???

that might explain things a bit....

well, that might be stretching the term....  ;D

Yeah, wot he said.  [evil]

 [laugh]