‘Aspar’ has a turn named after him at Jerez

The Jerez circuit has dedicated a turn to former rider and current Team Manager, Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’. Pilar Sánchez, Mayoress of the Andalusian city, made the announcement in Madrid during the launch event of the Gran Premio bwin.com de España which takes place on May 2.

“Jorge raced at our circuit many times and we wanted to give him this recognition,” said the Mayoress. “During the celebration of the GP we will organise an event to commemorate this – he deserves it. The whole city wanted this.”

The four-time World Champion and manager of Team Aspar, which will run teams in all three categories for the first time in 2010, was present and expressed his delight.

“It’s a great joy for me, because Jerez has always felt like a home,” said Martínez. “I was lucky to race in the streets of Jerez in 1981, and won the first Grand Prix that was contested here. The fans and atmosphere here are marvellous.”

‘Aspar’ who this week confirmed his Moto2 team will use an RSV chassis for the 2010 season, said the decision of which bike to opt for was not an easy one.

“It was a difficult choice, because we want to have the best chance of winning,” he said. “We tested many bikes and we waited until the last minute for Aprilia, but in the end the project was not possible. We think we have made a good choice and now we have work to do on the track. It will definitely be a closely matched category: therefore it’s important we have a technical team and riders who are very competitive in all Grands Prix.”