New Order for Aspar Team: Moreno replaces Simon, Cudlin replaces Barbera

By gb

Posted October 7, 2011

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Unfortunately the higly successful Aspar Team currently has run a bit out of luck with two injured riders in their ranks having to be replaced for the coming overseas rounds.
Julian Simon is still on his way to recovery after a second surgery was necessary to fix a leftover fragment in his broken leg which still caused him considerable pain. The Moto2 rider went under the knife directly after the race at Motorland Aragon and already had to miss the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi last weekend. He’ll also have to sit out the next two overseas rounds in Australia and Malaysia where young Spaniard Ivan Moreno will take over his seat.

The Cadiz native currently rides in the Moto2 class of the Spanish Championship where he’s already scored three podium finishes in the first five races of the season.

IVAN MORENO: “I am thrilled and very excited about this opportunity! That a team like the Aspar Team has chosen me makes me very proud, but even more so because it is to replace a great world champion like Julito. I want the team to know that I really appreciate it and I take the opportunity to send a big hug to Simon, whom I’ve already called to wish the best that he’s 100% again soon.
I’ve never had the chance to ride at any of the circuits, but I’ve played them many times on the PlayStation and I think they are circuits where I will feel very comfortable, they are fast and technical, which is what I do best.
My goal is to learn everything I can from this experience and make the most of it. I will do everything possible to achieve good results, but what matters most to me is that the team will be left with a good impression of my work. I think if I can do that, I will have used this opportunity as best as possible.”

In the meantime Aspar’s MotoGP entry Hector Barbera has been successfully operated in Spain after he broke his collarbone in a heavy crash during the Motegi race. He won’t be able to recover quickly enough to start in the Australian Grand Prix next weekend, so he will be replaced by Damian Cudlin who already replaced Loris Capirossi in the Japanese Grand Prix, riding the Pramac Ducati. Australian Cudlin knows the Phillip Island circuit well and with his new experience on the Ducati he’s been a logical choice for the Aspar Team to fill the seat.
It’s not yet known if Hector will be back for the penultimate round at Sepang a week later.