MotoGP: Aprilia returns with Gresini

Aprilia will return to MotoGP as a factory team in 2015, with Gresini Racing running its bikes in a four-year deal.

The Italian firm last fielded a works MotoGP program in 2004, although it remained active in 125cc and 250cc until they transformed into Moto3 and Moto2.

Several private teams also ran Aprilia-based MotoGP machinery in the CRT and Open classes in recent years, with Ioda Racing and Paul Bird Motorsport doing so at present. A fully fledged Aprilia MotoGP return has long been mooted, with increasing rumours through this season that it would be brought forward to next year.

Fausto Gresini's deal with Aprilia ends his team's long association with Honda. Gresini has run Honda machinery since its inception as a 125cc squad in 1997, and it currently has the rights to one of the two Factory-spec customer machines, though a funding shortfall had put that deal in jeopardy for next year, prompting the first rumours of an Aprilia tie-up.

"I am very glad that Aprilia identified Gresini Racing as the ideal partner to enter the MotoGP World Championship," said Gresini. "I would like to thank the Piaggio Group for giving me a fantastic opportunity, that is working closely with such a glorious manufacturer; an Italian brand that has become synonymous with passion for racing, reaching amazing results worldwide.

"In this moment I feel a great responsibility, but the motivation to succeed in this exciting, all Italian challenge is even bigger."

Current Gresini MotoGP rider Alvaro Bautista and ex-MotoGP racer turned works Aprilia World Superbike rider Marco Melandri have been linked to the two 2015 seats.

Scott Redding is likely to find a home with another Honda team following Gresini's move. Prior to the Aprilia deal, he had been set to supplant Bautista on the top-spec Gresini Honda next season following his rookie season on the team's Open-class bike.

Personnel from the Aprilia WSBK team have been seconded to Ioda for this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix at Misano as the firm ramps up its preparations for rejoining MotoGP.