MS Aprilia launched in San Marino.

The MS Aprilia 250cc team officially launched their title defence at a ceremony in San Marino, home of their new for 2003 rider Manual Poggiali.

"San Marino is magic," enthused Aprilia President Ivano Beggio, who thanked the San Marino Secretary of Sport, Paride Andreoli, for being present, before introducing his new rider: "Today we have the pleasure to be joined by a unique young talent, Manuel Poggiali, destined for great success."

Poggiali entered the world championship in 1999, on an Aprilia 125. He came twelfth in his first race at Malaysia and ended the season seventeenth. However, his talent was noticed and in 2001, on a Derbi, he won the world title. In an emotional moment, he dedicated the achievement to his father Claudio, who sadly died a couple of years before.

In total, Poggiali has entered 60 125cc GPs, winning seven of them and taking to the podium 22 times. He also has 8 pole positions to his credit.

"My dream is to win the title in every class. I made it in the 125, and now I'm hoping to get the 250," said Manuel. "After four years in the 125, I feel ready for the 250. And Aprilia is the best team I could have chosen, because the bike's fantastic and Rossano Brazzi's team is truly extraordinary. Nobody's pushing me, they all made me feel welcome and I get on just fine with all of them. I couldn't ask for more."

When Poggiali first tested the then ex-Marco Melandri machine, the results were instant and the San Marinese was regularly keeping pace with the best the class has to offer. So impressive was he, that some already consider him a favourite for the 2003 title.

"I've still got lots to learn, and my opponents have got far more experience than me," warned Manuel. "It is true though that I've been going well and every time I get on the bike my feeling for the Aprilia 250 gets better.

"I've made some good lap times, but I'm especially pleased because I've kept up a fast pace on every circuit. But I also have to be more careful, make fewer mistakes and change my riding style, as it's still too much influenced by the 125," added an honest Poggiali.

The 2003 season starts with the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6.