Corti to make MotoGP debut with Inmotec!

Claudio Corti, who recently lost his Italtrans Kalex Moto2 ride to Toni Elias, looks set to make a surprise MotoGP debut in this weekend's Valencia finale.

The Italian has been named by Inmotec as riding its part carbon-fibre CRT machine as a third Avintia BQR entry, alongside the FTR-Kawasakis of Ivan Silva and Hiroshi Aoyama. Aoyama is replacing the injured Yonny Hernandez.

Silva rode the Inmotec chassis, also powered by a modified ZX-10R engine, for Avintia in several events earlier this year (pictured), before swapping back to the aluminium FTR frame.

"The rider who ride the Inmotec this GP, will be Claudio Corti. Good luck for him this weekend," said a message on Inmotec's official Twitter account, which then clarified: "BQR will have 3 riders: Silva, Corti & Aoyama for the Valencian GP."

A subsequent press release was issued regarding the last-minute Corti-Inmotec deal, adding that the bike has been significantly developed - with changes to the fuel tank, fairing, swing-arm and chassis - since it's last grand prix appearance.

25-year-old Italian Corti took his first grand prix podium with a second place finish at the wet Le Mans race earlier this year. 2012 is his third year of world championship racing.

Following his Moto2 exit, after Aragon, Corti finished a creditable ninth and twelfth for Pedercini Kawasaki in the WSBK finale at Magny-Cours.

Corti is believed to have already secured a full time 2013 MotoGP ride, alongside Colin Edwards at Forward Racing. Avintia is set to run Aoyama and Hector Barbera in MotoGP next year.