Zoom Alvaro Bautista

After several meetings between the Mapfre Aspar team and representatives of Álvaro Bautista, an agreement was reached on Sunday morning, before the San Marino Grand Prix, for the extension of the Spanish rider's contract until the end of 2009.

Despite the rumours linking him with a step up to MotoGP for next season, the former 125cc World Champion will remain in the 250cc class for at least another campaign with Mapfre Aspar.

Álvaro won the 125 title with Aspar in 2006, taking eight victories and fourteen podiums. So far this season he has taken three wins in 250 and seven podiums, six in a row after Sunday's win, giving him a realistic chance of challenging for the 250cc title. Either way, he will have the chance to become World Champion next season on an Aprilia RSA.

“I'm really happy to renew my contract because I am so comfortable with the set-up at Mapfre Aspar. The mechanics and team structure are unbeatable. Now that we have re-signed with Jorge for 2009 I feel much more relaxed and I'm ready to continue my education in this category”, commented the Spaniard;

“It is a pleasure for us to be able to continue with Álvaro for another season. I have always known that he is a born winner and signing him again was a personal mission for me. I'm convinced he will give us plenty more reasons to celebrate and as he showed in the 125cc class in 2006 he has everything it takes to become 250cc World Champion – whether it is this season or next”, added Jorge ‘Aspar' Martinez.

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