Barbera to join Aspar in premier class

The team announced at the British GP that it will step up to the top class next year and had been expected to sign Alvaro Bautista, who rides for Aspar in the 250cc class. But Suzuki announced last weekend that Bautista will join its works line-up in 2010.

Barbera is currently fourth in the 250 standings on an Aprilia, and is relishing the move up to the top class on a Desmosedici GP9.

"I'm very happy to be going to MotoGP, to do so is the dream of every rider in the world," said the 22-year-old Spaniard. "As a Valencian rider, I am especially drawn to the idea of working in the Aspar Team project.

"Right now, the Ducati is a very competitive bike and the team and myself have a strong desire to do well. The goal for the first season in the premier class will be to adapt to the new bike and team as soon as possible.

"Now I am going to focus on finishing this season, in which I have six races to go, and when the year is over we will begin work on the new project."

Aspar boss Jorge Martinez added: "It is undoubtedly great news for us to have signed Hector. In our previous association with him we won the Spanish championship and various 125cc GPs, and I am convinced that we can have further success.

"I am sure that next year we can get some great results and that this will be a long term arrangement. I am hopeful that Hector can become a factory rider, as this will mean that he would have earned some great results with us."