Aspar finalises Ducati switch, confirms Laverty
Eugene Laverty will remain at the Aspar MotoGP team in 2016 for a second season, as the Spanish squad confirmed a switch from Honda to Ducati machinery.
Despite having signed a two-year contract prior to the start of the season, Laverty's Aspar seat was previously thought to be in doubt, with the team actively courting a number of other riders.
But, with alternatives such as Johann Zarco, Sam Lowes and Danny Kent all turning down the chance to join the team, Laverty's chances of a reprieve were given a boost.
His prospects were further helped by Aspar shifting its allegiance from Honda to Ducati, with the Irishman known to have a good relationship with Ducati boss Gigi Dall'Igna from their time working together at Aprilia's World Superbike squad.
"Our first two years in MotoGP, 2010 and 2011, were quite positive alongside Ducati," said Aspar team boss and former 125cc world champion Jorge Martinez.
"That was before the arrival of the CRT bikes, where we enjoyed lots of success.
"Throughout our time so far in MotoGP we have worked with Ducati, Aprilia and Honda. Now we return to Ducati, and without a doubt I am expecting we will have competitive bikes and great riders capable of scoring the kinds of results we deserve, which is inside the top 10."
Aspar had already signed Pramac rider Yonny Hernandez, with Laverty's current teammate Nicky Hayden confirming a much-expected move to World Superbikes in 2016 with Honda Ten Kate last weekend at Motegi.
2016 MotoGP line-up so far
| Movistar Yamaha |
|
| Repsol Honda |
|
| Ducati |
|
| Suzuki |
|
| Aprilia |
|
| Tech 3 Yamaha |
|
| LCR Honda |  Cal Crutchlow |
| Marc VDS Honda |
|
| Pramac Ducati |
|
| Avintia Ducati |
|
| Aspar Ducati |
|
Valentino Rossi
Jorge Lorenzo
Stefan Bradl
Jack Miller
Loris Baz
Yonny Hernandez
Eugene LavertyShare Or Save This Story
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