Aitchison gets another shot at World Superbikes

After being involved in Moto2 and CRT projects for the last two years, team manager Andrea Grillini has now decided to return to World Superbike for a new challenge, heading up the team that will bear his name. Grillini last competed briefly in World Superbikes in 2008.

Team Grillini announced that 28-year-old Aitchison, from Tumbi Umbi in NSW, will be the lead rider for the squad. Aitchison will bring a season's experience to the team, after campaigning the Kawasaki ZX 10R for Team Pedercini in 2011. Aitchison cracked the top ten twice in his debut season on the largely uncompetitive Kawasaki, finished 19th overall, and regularly outperforming team mate, Roberto Rolfo. Prior to 2011, Aitchison spent three years in World Supersport. Aitchison will ride a new BMW S1000 RR machine for the Grillini squad.

At the announcement, Andrea Grillini declared: "I am delighted with the choice of rider. The agreement came after more than a month of negotiations but I always thought that Mark could be an ideal rider for us, and allow us to have high ambitions in the World Superbike Championship. We still need to define some of the team members, but Mirko Serraino will be chief engineer. A big thanks to SCB Group who follow the rider and to Paolo Ciabatti of Infront who has enthusiastically welcomed us into this championship".

Immediately after signing, Aitchison declared: "I'm really excited about this new challenge ahead of me in 2012. My first year in SBK was very important, I learnt a lot and I hope it's the turning-point for more success next season. The Grillini team was interesting for me because it's made up of a small group of people who have the ambition and desire to work as a team and this was a factor in my decision. We know that it'll take some time to develop the BMW, especially as the championship is about to start shortly, but with the programme we have ahead of us I know we can reach the aims we've set for ourselves. Now I can devote myself to training and getting ready for the first tests before the opening round at my home track in Australia".

Despite the limited development time, Aitchison is confident the squad will be competitve, especially as the season progresses. At this stage, it appears Aitchison will be the sole rider for Team Grillini BMW, which will be sponsored by Italian clothing label 'sweet Years'.

Aitchison and Team Grillini will test at Phillip Island on February 20 - 21 ahead of the opening round of the 2012 World Superbike championship at Phillip Island on February 24 - 26.

For more details on the schedule, tickets and further details on the Phillip Island round, go to www.worldsbk.com.au or call the SBK Toll Free hotline on 1300 728 007.

Images: Russell Colvin