Piaggio Group president Roberto Colaninno used the unveiling of Aprilia's new 750 road bike to announce a return to the World Superbike championship in 2009 - and possibly the MotoGP World Championship soon after.
Aprilia last raced in both premier world championships during 2002, then closed its World Superbike project to concentrate entirely on the RS Cube MotoGP machine in 2003, when it was raced by
Colin Edwards and
Noriyuki Haga.
However, the Cosworth-powered racer was never truly tamed and, when Aprilia suffered a financial crisis the following year, the MotoGP project was also canned by new owner's Piaggio - although the profitable 250cc and 125cc machines continued to be made.
With Aprilia's finances now much more secure, Piaggio - perhaps inspired by the MotoGP success of fellow Italian manufacturer Ducati and the return to popularity of WSBK - is hoping to bring Aprilia back to both championships within three years.
"We will return to Superbike and, possibly,
MotoGP," declared Colaninno.
Aprilia has claimed eight WSBK race wins, 26 podiums and eight poles - but never lifted the world title. Whilst often dominating the 125 and 250cc classes, Aprilia has never won a premier-class grand prix.
