Barbera officially unveiled by Seedorf Racing

Seedorf Racing today officially announced the capture of Spanish 125cc prodigy Hector Barbera on a two year contract. The 17 year old, who won his first Grand Prix at Donington Park earlier this season, said that he was looking forward to fighting for the World Championship title with his new team after an acrimonious split with his former employers.

"My objective is to fight for the World Championship and, logically, the first step towards that is being at the front in as many races as possible and fighting for the victory whenever the chance arises," commented Barbera, who will be team-mate to recently crowned Spanish Champion Alvaro Bautista. "I would like to thank the team for the support they have already shown me – I am sure it is going to be a top level team although the facts are that you can win with anybody, just look at the championship won by Arnaud Vincent."

Regarding his supposed sponsorship contract wrangle with the Valencia circuit, Barbera added: "At the moment it seems like the circuit don't want me, but I am still open to an agreement."

Meanwhile, Susana López, on behalf of Team Seedorf Racing in the absence of team owner Clarence Seedorf, clarified the controversy between the team and Barbera's former employer, Jorge Martinez Aspar. "He didn't have a contract with any other team so really this problem didn't affect us, and we will make sure that it doesn't affect Hector either." In response to suggestions that Aspar had made a counter approach for the services of Bautista, Lopez added: "The contact has existed and currently exists, but the decision is in the hands of the rider and that decision is to continue with us."

Ironically, Barberá and Bautista will begin their preseason testing schedule at the Valencia circuit tomorrow where, according to the team's technical director Christian Lundberg, they will have; "the best possible material – Aprilia have promised us that. They value Hector and they have given us all the right signs."