Sito Pons confirms plan to introduce son Axel to 250cc

Former double 250cc World Champion Sito Pons, head of the new Pons Racing WRB organisation has told motogp.com that he is finalising the details on a project to put his son Axel on a quarter litre class machine alongside Hector Barbera in 2009.

If the plans come together satisfactorily the young Pons will be a 250cc rookie in a new line-up with Barbera who has recently been signed by Sito Pons to ride an official Aprilia RSA and fight for the title under the watchful eye of renowned technical chief Rossano Brazzi.

On Axel Pons´ side of the pit-box there would be an Aprilia LE available for his first full World Championship season, having made some wildcard appearances this year in the 125cc class.

The teenage Spaniard suffered horrendous injuries earlier this season in a national championship race at Jerez in the south of Spain, sustaining multiple pelvis and leg fractures which required months of surgery and recuperation, but could be set to bounce back – into the category in which his father took title glory in 1989 and 1990.

Sito Pons explained, `The project has not been finalised yet, but we hope to round things off soon, before the end of the year. Axel is very excited about the idea of making his 250cc World Championship debut and we think he would learn a lot with a rider like Hector Barbera next to him.´

`He is more suited to that class already, because he is disadvantaged on a 125cc bike by his height (1.79m). On a 250 he can ride in a more natural style.´

Having made his comeback in the penultimate Spanish championship round of the year last Sunday in Valencia the teenage Pons has impressed his father immensely, with the senior Pons adding, `Axel has shown massive determination. He is passionate about competing and that makes me very positive about things.´