Rabat `returns home´ to Blusens Aprilia

125cc rider Esteve Rabat has been announced as a Blusens Aprilia member for 2009, rejoining the team with whom he debuted in the World Championship. The Spaniard will partner British star Scott Redding in next season´s campaign, with both riders using Aprilia RSA machinery for their expected title challenges.

The RSA will be the third bike in as many years that Rabat has used in a full-time capacity on the world stage, having used both Honda and KTM machinery in the past two seasons. Nonetheless, the teenager has plenty of experience with Aprilia bikes from his previous stint in the Blusens outfit in both international and national series.

`I am at a stage in my career in which I consider feeling confident and supported fundamental to taking a step up,´ says Rabat. `This is something that I am guaranteed in Blusens Aprilia. Now I am a more mature rider, ready to show what I have learnt in the years since I was last part of the team.´

Team Principal Raul Romero had been in no doubt as to whether Rabat would be a worthwhile signing, paying tribute to his abilities on-track and off.

`Esteve has always been brave and had a lot of talent. Now he has all this, plus experience that makes him a first-rate rider. He is also a person eager to work, and with a strong desire to win,´ says Romero on the new addition to the team.