Photo: MotoGP.com
Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) has announced the second rider for their 2014 MotoGP presence and we're welcoming Oz-native Broc Parkes to the premiere class.
This makes a full roster for PBM, with Michael Laverty already confirmed for 2014. Both riders will be using Aprilia machinery, though it is yet unclear whether their bikes will use the full Noale package or just the engine, mounted in a PBM chassis.
It looks like both versions will run through a series of back to back tests in order to make the best choice for the upcoming season. However, some expect Aprilia to become more involved in the MotoGP operations, especially as they unveiled the plans far a factory team presence in MotoGP in the future.
Parkes, 32, has been involved with PBM in the past and is a well-known name in World Supersport, with 6 wins and 32 podiums over the recent years. He also has experience with the World Endurance and Australian Superbike.
Michael Laverty
"We learned so much in year one that I'm delighted Paul has continued his involvement with MotoGP™ and that he's given me the opportunity to continue with the project. Everyone has told me that year two is much easier so the aim is to put into place what we have learned and to raise our game accordingly. The class is going to be a lot tougher with the new production bikes but our aim is to consistently score points."
Broc Parkes
"Firstly, I'd like to say a massive thanks to Paul Bird for the opportunity to work with his team once again; I'm really looking forward to it. This is the premier class and it's every rider's dream to race in MotoGP™. I know this is going to be a tough season but I'm certainly up for the challenge, I can't wait to get started."
Paul Bird, Team Owner
"We've done a lot of spade work in MotoGP™ over the past two seasons so the plan is to build on that and work with our partners and Michael and Broc are very capable of delivering!"
Source motogp.com
It looks like both versions will run through a series of back to back tests in order to make the best choice for the upcoming season. However, some expect Aprilia to become more involved in the MotoGP operations, especially as they unveiled the plans far a factory team presence in MotoGP in the future.
Parkes, 32, has been involved with PBM in the past and is a well-known name in World Supersport, with 6 wins and 32 podiums over the recent years. He also has experience with the World Endurance and Australian Superbike.
Michael Laverty
"We learned so much in year one that I'm delighted Paul has continued his involvement with MotoGP™ and that he's given me the opportunity to continue with the project. Everyone has told me that year two is much easier so the aim is to put into place what we have learned and to raise our game accordingly. The class is going to be a lot tougher with the new production bikes but our aim is to consistently score points."
Broc Parkes
"Firstly, I'd like to say a massive thanks to Paul Bird for the opportunity to work with his team once again; I'm really looking forward to it. This is the premier class and it's every rider's dream to race in MotoGP™. I know this is going to be a tough season but I'm certainly up for the challenge, I can't wait to get started."
Paul Bird, Team Owner
"We've done a lot of spade work in MotoGP™ over the past two seasons so the plan is to build on that and work with our partners and Michael and Broc are very capable of delivering!"
Source motogp.com
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