Even more on the 2003 GP line-ups

By Dan Moakes
November 1 2002

It’s now official - World Superbike champion Colin Edwards will join his 2002 rival, Troy Bayliss, in the MotoGP line-up next season. The Texan had been rumoured as an option for a number of teams, but the final verdict went to Aprilia.

Edwards himself confirmed that he’d signed for Aprilia, and it was also revealed that the team will be running with Michelin tyres. Although the RS³ has been fitted with Dunlops this year, the American was always after a Michelin deal, as the French rubber has been king in both GP and World Superbike this season. It seems likely that Régis Laconi will be retained as Edwards’ team-mate, now that Marco Melandri’s future looks to be elsewhere.

The new 250cc title holder seems destined to be part of the 2003 Yamaha GP1 picture, but possibly as a Gauloises Tech 3 runner, as opposed to a full works rider. This is because the latest rumours say that Alex Barros could be joining Carlos Checa in the soon to be ex-Marlboro squad. An announcement is expected in Valência, and it could make reference to the fact that Fortuna may well be taking over as principal team sponsor. Apart from Melandri, another contender for Max Biaggi’s seat is thought to be Norick Abe, while AMA star Nicky Hayden is thought more likely to turn up at Honda.

Speaking of Abe - he gets his second taste of the YZR-M1 in Spain, but will hope to go further than in Australia, where he had to miss the race thanks to a crash in practice. Valência also marks the last appearance of the two-stroke 500cc breed of bike, as these machines will not be re-appearing in 2003. Could it also be the last time a Honda Pons motorcycle appears in West colours? There will be more on this if it comes out...

Troy Bayliss has recently tested the new Ducati Desmosedici GP bike that will be raced next year, and he is also due to demonstrate the machine over the Grand Prix weekend. Also appearing in Valência will be two wildcard riders, as Kawasaki’s Andrew Pitt (number 84) will be joined by local man David García on a number 29 Proton KR3500.