Designer Pierre Terblanche Joins Norton Motorcycles

British manufacturer Norton Motorcycles announced today it has hired noted motorcycle designer Pierre Terblanche, known to be responsible for creating successful models for Ducati such as the Supermono, the Hypermotard, the 888, the 999 and the original Multistrada.

Terblanche left Ducati in 2007 and later worked at Piaggio where he designed motorcycles such as the Moto Guzzi V12 concepts presented at the EICMA show in 2009.

“Pierre’s experience of bringing innovative new products to the marketplace will be a vital factor in developing the Norton range, whilst paying due respect to its’ traditions. Combining his flair for original concepts with Norton’s sporting traditions, will allow us to create a range of motorcycles bearing the historic Norton badge that will be unlike anything else in the marketplace,” stated Norton CEO Stuart Garner.

Terblanche is the second former Ducati employee to join Norton recently, as former Ducati North America Chief Executive Officer Dan Van Epps is now responsible with the British brand’s operations in the United States.

Norton is now considering a MotoGP entry for the 2012 season, as the new regulations will permit 1000cc engines to make their way into the series. It seems the British company is already contemplating an entry into the Suberbike and Supersport championships next year, but a move into the MotoGP would better integrate within Norton's new modern image.

Rumors have it the Brits have already met with Dorna, the promoter of the MotoGP series, and have set up a 2-rider entry for 2012. However, plans to enter the motor racing world have never been confirmed by the company, despite the fact that such rumors started to surface in the media for some time.