Ioda 'still working on MotoGP', WSBK a possibility

Iodaracing are 'working on' remaining in MotoGP this season, but confirm 'some contacts' regarding a possible move to World Superbike.

Speedweek reports that Giampiero Sacchi's underfunded team could be encouraged by Dorna to switch to WSBK, where they would solve the lack of Aprilia entries. Ioda's recovering rider Alex de Angelis would also make the move, being joined by Lorenzo Savadori, who won the SSTK 1000 title on an Aprilia.

A team spokesperson told Crash.net: "At the moment Ioda is still on the MotoGP [entry] list. There are some contacts regarding the WSBK option, but Ioda is currently working on the premier class."

Ioda graduated to MotoGP under the 'CRT' rules in 2012, using machinery based on Aprilia's RSV4 superbike. The team were still effectively running CRT spec bikes by the end of last season, but hopeful of an RS-GP for de Angelis in 2016.

Having provided some factory support to the Red Devils Roma WSBK team in 2015, Aprilia is set to focus all of its attentions on its MotoGP project this year.

However, Dorna is understood to have two RSV4s to lease and would contribute a rider in Savadori. Originally, the Dominican Republic JR Racing outfit - which was involved in a stillborn project to enter a pair of BMWs - was linked to the bikes, but have reportedly been blocked by Dorna from entering.

Should Ioda go ahead with these World Superbike plans, it is believed it would be in conjunction with the Nuova M2 team that Savadori took to the Superstock 1000 title.

Ioda also competes in the Moto2 category, though former MotoGP team Forward Racing is also set to dovetail a Moto2 campaign with a move into World Superbikes as part of MV Agusta's factory effort.