Splitlath Aprilia 'shocked' by Evo exclusion

Splitlath Aprilia has expressed its 'shock' at having had their British Superbike Evo hopes almost ruined by a technical infringement ten rounds into the season.

The ruling was made prior to qualifying at Cadwell Park after officials declared that certain parts on the RSV-4 did not meet Evo-specification requirements.

With Splitlath, on the advice of the Aprilia factory, insisting the parts are no different to those that were homologated at the start of the season, they believe they have been unjustly denied valuable points.

The ruling came at a crucial time for the team as they challenge for Evo honours with Hudson Kennaugh, the South African heading to Cadwell Park with a two point advantage over Steve Brogan. The BMW rider's two wins move him 48 points ahead now.

With little chance to change the parts before Croft, Splitlath team principal John Dimbylow is now waiting on a possible change in the regulations to allow it to compete in the Evo class again.

"We are still all shocked to have been excluded, particularly with the way and in the manner it happened.

"We have spent a lot of time on the phone to Aprilia who confirmed to us that these parts are legal and it transpires that we are unable to buy any other parts. This means that we will possibly have a problem for Croft.

"We are hoping that between now and then that either Aprilia, the FIM or MSVR can sort something out so we can come to an agreement that is mutually beneficial to all parties."