After announcing it will step up to the MotoGP class with a customer Ducati bike in 2010, Aspar Team yesterday unveiled Barbera as their official rider in 2010. The ride was initially prepared for former 125cc champion Alvaro Bautista, but the Spaniard chose to go at Suzuki for a 2-year deal alongside veteran Loris Capirossi.
Under the circumstances, Aspar boss Jorge Martinez switched to the next best option, meaning Barbera. The Spanish rider is currently 4th overall in the 250cc class (riding for Pepe World Team) and will continue to focus on his 2009 campaign, while admitting he can hardly wait to begin preparations for his MotoGP debut.
“I'm very happy to be going to MotoGP, to do so is the dream of every rider in the world. As a Valencian rider, I am especially drawn to the idea of working in the Aspar Team project. Right now, the Ducati is a very competitive bike and the team and myself have a strong desire to do well. The goal for the first season in the premier class will be to adapt to the new bike and team as soon as possible,” said the 22-year old after the confirmation.
"Now I am going to focus on finishing this season, in which I have six races to go, and when the year is over we will begin work on the new project,” added the Spaniard.
The Aspar boss also expressed his enthusiasm of signing Barbera for the 2010 season, as he firmly believes the Spaniard can move on to the factory Ducati team in the years to come.
“It is undoubtedly great news for us to have signed Hector. In our previous association with him we won the Spanish championship and various 125cc GPs, and I am convinced that we can have further success. I am sure that next year we can get some great results and that this will be a long term arrangement. I am hopeful that Hector can become a factory rider, as this will mean that he would have earned some great results with us,” said Martinez.
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