GRESINI TO STEP DOWN AS FACTORY MOTOGP SQUAD

Gresini to step down as factory MotoGP squad – Image: LAT

From 2022 Gresini Racing will no longer be the factory Aprilia team as it steps down to become an independent squad once more.

By DAN McCARTHY

Gresini Racing has run an independent team in the premier class since 2002, before running the factory Aprilia team from 2015.

A five-year agreement has been signed with IRTA which will see the squad remain in the premier class as an independent team from 2022 until at least 2026.

The Italian team does not just compete in the premier class, Gresini fields entries successfully in Moto2, Moto3 and even MotoE.

Despite the satisfaction of running a factory operation in MotoGP, Gresini team manager Fausto Gresini is looking forward to returning the team to its routes.

“We’re happy to announce this agreement with IRTA, which will see us in MotoGP for five years starting from 2022,” Gresini said.

“We will not be representing Aprilia as a factory team anymore, so we will continue as an Independent Team, doing so with as much will and commitment.”

At this stage it has not been revealed what bikes they will run with from next year, but Gresini feels further announcements are not far away.

“There’s a lot of work to do and many things to define and communicate. Obviously we’re already working on this huge project, and we will reveal the details little by little. Stay tuned,” he said.

Since the team first entered MotoGP in 1997 it has claimed 41 podiums, 14 wins and three runner-up spots in the category and is now one of the longest longest-lasting teams in the paddock.

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