MotoGP - Aprilia

Article from MCN Jan 23

BMW and Aprilia's decision to shun MotoGP and contest the World Superbike championship does not concern Dorna chief Carmelo Ezpeleta. German giant BMW have long been rumoured to be future participants in MotoGP. But BMW will race in WSB in 2009, while Aprilia is also retuning to the series with a new V4 machine. Ezpeleta denied he was disappointed at BMW'S decision, not least as he faces the prospect of a further shrinking grid in 2008. With doubt over Kenny Roberts' involvement, only 18 bikes are likely to start the opening race in Qatar on March 9. Is MotoGP just too expensive? Ezpeleta believes not: "This is not a question of money. It is a question of being competitive. This is a difficult category. I don't think participating in MotoGP is more expensive than in World Superbike, but the battle is against bigger people. If they are competitive in WSB one day they will come to MotoGP. Aprilia said to me in Mugello that by 2010 maybe they will come, but I don't need Aprilia coming just to make up the grid numbers. If Aprilia and BMW are coming I want them to come and be competitive"

Hope they do well and i for one will be glued to the screen :thumbup

Me too. Really looking forward to this years MotoGP. Toseland in WSB, Bradley Smith on a competitive Aprilia in the 125 MotoGP, BSB also sounds good but I can't remember why at the moment. TV coverage doesn't tend to be so good though.

Can't wait for the racing to start, also means we are into the better riding weather!!!!!!! Yehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Well, If I was Ezpeleta,I would be worried, as for saying it's not more expensive MotoGP vs SBK, well making one-off prototype vs mainstream bikes you sell by the thousands... maybe I'm not getting the big picture here... But for being competitive there THE point, who wants to be at the back, in other championships there is always the privateer who make you (the Factory) look good or at least decent. In MotoGP there's not many privateers, just look at the KR Team, see what I mean. In the end, I still can't wait to see Aprilia's V-4 have a go at it. I'll be good for sure.

DaveRSV said:

Me too. Really looking forward to this years MotoGP. Toseland in WSB, Bradley Smith on a competitive Aprilia in the 125 MotoGP, BSB also sounds good but I can't remember why at the moment. TV coverage doesn't tend to be so good though.

Can't wait for the racing to start, also means we are into the better riding weather!!!!!!! Yehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

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Toseland's in MotoGP this year Dave :eatcorn

Personally I prefer WSB...it's racing bikes that us low lifes can go out and buy from the shop and ride everyday.......:doug

sprocker said:

Toseland's in MotoGP this year Dave :eatcorn

Personally I prefer WSB...it's racing bikes that us low lifes can go out and buy from the shop and ride everyday.......:doug

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Thanks sprocker, that's what I meant. Brain/fingers don't always get on! :blush