Aprilia wraps up 250 Manufacturers' Championship.

Four races from the end of the season, Aprilia has wrapped up the 250cc manufacturers' title with an unassailable 103 point lead over nearest rivals Honda, with Yamaha a further 13 points back.

The latest conquest marks the 16th world title for the Venetian constructor in the World Road Racing Championship, and the 18th in the history of Aprilia when the two Trial titles are considered.

This years 250cc title was conquered thanks to 7 wins by Marco Melandri, 3 by Nieto, De Puniet's second place in Suzuka and the Franco Battaini's third place in last Saturday's Rio Grand Prix.

However, with the 2002 season is still far from over and now Aprilia is setting its sights on victory in the three championships it currently leads: the 250 riders', the 125 riders' and the 125 manufacturers' championships.

The next manufacturers' title to be decided may well be in the MotoGP class with Honda edging ever nearer following Valentino Rossi's victory in Rio.