West to join Stoner in 2012 MotoGP class
Will ride for a ‘Claiming Rule Team' using an Aprilia powerplant as he returns to the premier class for the first time since leaving Kawasaki at the end of 2008There will be two Australians riding MotoGP in 2012, with Queenslander Anthony West set to return to the premier class after securing a seat at the Italian-based Speed Master team.
Speed Master has confirmed its entry as a ‘Claiming Rule Team’ (CRT) in MotoGP category, which has been designed as an initiative to help boost privateer entries. CRT will compete alongside teams running factory-built prototypes coincides, but with some concessions in terms of fuel capacity and engine tweaks to give them a fighting chance.
West will use an Aprilia engine in 2012, wit the chassis yet to be confirmed.
West, 30, last rode MotoGP in 21008, when he was a pilot for the now defunct Kawasaki factory team. He has been a Moto2 rider for the last two years with MZ Racing, but has struggled to make any meaningful impact.
The 2012 MotoGP season kicks off in Qatar from April 13-15, with the Australian round from October 26-28.
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