Bautista returns to Aspar for 2017
Aprilia factory rider Alvaro Bautista will join Aspar Ducati for the 2017 MotoGP season, it has been announced.
The 31-year-old Spaniard, who represented Aprilia since its works team's MotoGP return in 2015, did not feature in the marque's 2017 plans, making way for Aleix Espargaro and Moto2 rider Sam Lowes.
But while Bautista's current teammate Stefan Bradl will move to World Superbikes after leaving Aprilia, the Spaniard himself has secured an eighth season in MotoGP.
As such, Bautista will reunite with the Aspar squad that helped him to the 2006 125cc title and to eight victories in 250cc between 2007 and 2009.
"I am happy to be returning to what was my home for many years in the world championship, where I enjoyed my best results, including the 125cc world championship title and fighting for another title in 250cc," Bautista said.
"I am happy and motivated to be going back and especially to have another year in MotoGP, a new adventure. Over the years I have grown a lot and I have much more experience now. I am confident that with this team we can be competitive in 2017."
The announcement also confirms that Bautista will be riding the Ducati Desmosedici GP16 - the factory team's current bike.
"For the Aspar Team it gives us great pleasure in every sense to welcome Alvaro Bautista back," said team boss Jorge Martinez.
"As a team we picked up our first world championship title with him back in 2006 and we enjoyed some wonderful years together. Our professional and personal relationship with him is excellent and for the team and our sponsors this is great news.
"My hope and desire is that this brings great results for Ducati and for us. It is important for us to have a Spanish rider with his record and his professionalism. He can give us an advantage on track"
The second seat at Aspar is set to be decided between the team's current line-up of Eugene Laverty and Yonny Hernandez.
Laverty has handily outscored his teammate this year so far on a Desmosedici GP14.2, but the Irishman is known to be evaluating options in World Superbikes.
2017 MotoGP grid so far:
| Team | Riders |
|---|---|
| Yamaha |
|
| Honda |
|
| Ducati |
|
| Suzuki |
|
| Aprilia |
|
| KTM |
|
| Tech 3 Yamaha |
|
| LCR Honda |  Cal Crutchlow |
| Marc VDS Honda |
|
| Pramac Ducati |
|
| Avintia Ducati |
|
| Aspar Ducati |
TBA |
Valentino Rossi
Maverick Vinales
Jonas Folger
Johann Zarco
Jack Miller
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