Randy de Puniet and Aleix Espargaro to ride for Aspar Team Aprilia

‘Aspar’ Martinez has confirmed today via the team’s official Facebook page that he’ll be fielding Randy de Puniet and Aleix Espargaro in MotoGP in 2012.
The team will be using CRT Aprilia powered bikes (today at Jerez, de Puniet was using a different frame confirmed by a couple of spy shots that you can see here).

Jorge Martinez ‘Aspar’: “We are really happy because we are facing a new challenge and we believe that the future of MotoGP is CRT, so we’re the first to join this initiative.

Also this year we will continue to grow, in our first two seasons in MotoGP we had one rider and now we will have two, Randy De Puniet and Aleix Espargaró.
I’m glad that Randy is back with the team, he was with us in 2005 and we had a very good relationship.
Aleix was also with us in 2009 but only for two races, and it is pleasure to have him with us.

We are convinced that this new challenge will be very successful, with our two riders and with Aprilia as our engine supplier .

We wanted to use the Noale marque in this new project because of the wonderful relationship that unites us, and for their proven quality in lower classes.
Our goal this year is to be the best CRT and prepare to go a step further in 2013.
“ Randy De Puniet: “I am delighted to return to the Aspar Team, a team that I rode for in 2005, when I was in the 250cc class, I have very fond memories of that time.
Together we will embark in a new challenge, CRT.
I know that this team is very competitive and will have the best material, in fact I have been able to test with them and the results have been good.
CRT is the future of MotoGP and we have lot of work ahead of us, but it will be interesting.
The target for next season will to adapt as soon as possible to the prototype, and gradually get close to the factory machines.
Testing in Jerez has been very productive, and we have been able to gather a lot of information and lap times have been interesting.
It’s clear that we are still far from what will be the final motorcycle, but I’m very happy with how everything has gone.
The test in Jerez made me realize the enormous potential of the new CRT concept and I am proud to be one of the pioneering riders in this new category.
“Aleix Espargaró: “Firstly, I’m very excited to be in Aspar Team, even more to be returning to the premier class which is a big motivation for me.
2010 was very positive and I would have liked to stay for another year.
I think with my weight and height I can fit well in category.
I am convinced that the year will go very well and I’ll get great results for the Aspar Team.
CRT is a completely new class, and we’re going to have lot of work to do, but I have chosen the Aspar Team because it’s a guarantee that the team that will face the new class very seriously.
They are very professional and certainly developed a great bike.
I am delighted with this new project.
“