Jorge Martinez ‘Aspar’: "In 2013 the other CRTs will be closer."

De Puniet and Espargaró were top CRT 13 times in 18 races in the new category, ranking also seven times in the top ten the fastest riders in MotoGP. Its two riders also achieved the fastest CRT qualifying time on 17 occasions, and were locked in an inter-team battle to come out top in their category. The title was only decided at the final race in Valencia, where Espargaró secured top honours by beating De Puniet. Espargaró took CRT victories in Jerez, Portugal, Catalunya, Britain, Laguna Seca, Aragon, Japan, Malaysia and Australia.

Aspar commented: “Yes, it is a great joy. In a year that was really hard for us in the three categories, the CRTs have continuously brought us joy throughout the season. For us, finishing as 6th best team in MotoGP and as CRT Champions with Aleix as Champion and Randy in second, was a great year and a great joy.”

De Puniet and Espargaró have been in the same box both as teammates and as ‘title’ rivals in the new subcategory. With the two having swapped the CRT lead throughout the year, Aspar, who has managed similar situations in the past, reveals how this rivalry played out.

"It was pretty good. Normally it is not easy because everyone wants to win. From the beginning, Randy went a step ahead, going faster than Aleix. I think Aleix has grown throughout the year as a rider, both with training, and with the bike - changing a few things on the set-up. But the truth is that there has been a certain respect, which is what I ask from the riders. With those two and the technical team, the relationship in general has been pretty good."

While it is true that the ARTs have been a step ahead throughout the year, benefiting from the extensive experience of Aprilia, many believe that in 2013 the competition will be tougher. Jorge Martinez endorses this belief, and says: "That's for sure, but we are already working to improve for next year. I think it's been a pretty good year, we were usually between 1.3 and 1.8 seconds off the first [MotoGP] and we believe that we can still improve and get closer to the factory bikes, but obviously in the CRT class next year other teams are going to bring it to us too. This year we worked hard, we've been changing the aerodynamics, the chassis and electronics, and I hope to continue along that line."