Roberto Pietri and Jordi Torres to test for Avintia Racing at Sepang

Avintia Racing, which makes a debut this year in the premier class running CRT bikes, will start the 2012 preseason with Venezuelan rider Roberto Pietri and Spaniard Jordi Torres as test riders to assist in the development of its CRT prototype.

The two racers both have previous experience in the World Championship Moto2 class and will travel to Malaysia next week to join Ivan Silva in the first official premier class Test scheduled at the Sepang circuit. Colombian rider Yonny Hernandez, signed by BQR to debut in MotoGP this season, will not participate in this first test because he is not yet fully recovered from a surgery on his left hand.

Raul Romero, owner of BQR and project leader of Avintia Racing in the MotoGP class, explained that an agreement with Roberto Pietri is "nearly complete" that includes not only his participation in various pre-season tests but also as a substitute rider for the entire 2012 season. In addition, the team wants the 26 year old Venezuelan to compete as a wild card in five races next year (3 in Spain and 2 in the US), although these plans are still subject to approval by the organizing body of the Championship.

Romero acknowledged that the contract is not yet signed for Yonny Hernandez to be a full time rider, and that the contract is dependent upon the rider acquiring part of the funding. Such a contract would make Hernandez the first Colombian to compete in the MotoGP class.