Aprilia has confirmed it will run three bikes at the final round of the World Superbike Championship in Portimao following the return of Shinya Nakano to the team.

Former MotoGP rider Nakano has endured an injury interrupted first season in World Superbikes and was forced to miss the Imola and Magny-Cours rounds due to an unspecified neck problem.

Nonetheless, while Aprilia earlier revealed Leon Camier will ride the RSV-4 alongside Max Biaggi in France and in Portugal, Nakano's return will see the Italian team expand to three bikes for the first time.

Newly crowned British Superbike Champion Camier failed to finish either race at Magny-Cours, but was destined for a top ten finish in the second race. Nakano, who is currently 14th in the overall standings, has a best result of fourth at Qatar.