McWilliams, Aoki get Proton V5 ride.

Proton Team KR announced this morning in Malaysia that, as predicted by Crash.Net, current riders Jeremy McWilliams and Nobuatsu Aoki have signed to ride the team's new V5 four stroke for 2003.

The two former GP winners both agreed terms for fresh one-year contracts.

McWilliams had no hesitation in deciding to stay: "In fact, I wish I'd joined the team a lot earlier. It suits me in so many ways, and I think it's fair to say that I am the right sort of rider for this team as well," stated the 38-year-old Ulster star.

"I like the independence of the operation, and I've been very impressed with their professionalism and dedication, and Kenny's determination to be successful, which he passes down to the whole team," added the former Assen 250cc GP winner. "I think a lot of people have made the mistake of under-estimate them. They surprised me with their capabilities, and the quality of their engineering."

Looking ahead to the four stroke challenge, McWilliams believes it'll be easier to tame that the peaky two-stroke - or at least not harder.

"I've never raced a four-stroke before, but I think we've seen that they're easier to ride than the two-strokes," he declared. "There's only a handful of people who can get the best out the old 500s, and they don't have any trouble when they get on a four-stroke. I don't say it'll be easy, but I don't have any fears, and I'm really looking forward to it."

Team-mate Aoki came to the team after a year testing tyres for Bridgestone, preparatory to the Japanese tyre manufacturer's entry to the top class of racing. Prior to that the GP winner had ridden factory Honda and Suzuki machines in 250 and 500cc classes.

"I am very happy to stay with this team," he said with a smile. "I have been so impressed with their efforts during my first year, and also the partnership with Jeremy has been very good. We help each other a lot, and also enjoy racing against each other, which improves our performance as well as the team chances.

"Of course, I am also very excited about riding the V5," he added. "It's already an interesting idea for a motorcycle. To develop this new machine with an independent team is a big responsibility for a rider, and an honour as well. Not many riders get a chance like this."

Team owner Kenny Roberts, himself a triple World Champion and racing legend, explained why he chose to keep the pair on: "Each of them has performed way beyond anybody's expectations so far this year. They've surprised all of us not only with their speed and ability, but also the focus and sheer determination they've brought to every race.

"There was never any question in my mind that I wanted them both to stay for our new four-stroke venture, I'm pleased and proud that they have shown their faith in the team by signing on to stay," concluded 'King Kenny'.