Power Electronics Aspar hold team presentation

In the run-up to this week's final MotoGP pre-season, the Power Electronics Aspar Team officially presented its 2012 race livery at Valencia on Tuesday.

2012 will be Aspar's third season in the premier-class, but sees the team move from a single satellite Ducati to running two of the new Aprilia (ART) bikes, under the CRT rules.

There are also rider and sponsor changes, with Randy de Puniet and Aleix Espargaro joining the team and Power Electronics signing up as title sponsor.

"For myself and for the Power Electronics Aspar Team the CRT project is an exciting challenge," said team principal and former world champion Jorge Mart?nez 'Aspar'. "We had one rider in the premier-class before and now we have two, so I am delighted with this."

"The concept and regulations of the premier-class have changed a lot and there is a lot of future in MotoGP. Our tests have been excellent and we are highly motivated. I want to thank Power Electronics for the confidence that they have placed in this project. I also want to thank the other new sponsors: Vibo, Bel Ray and Crecs."

MotoGP podium finisher de Puniet has been setting lap times comparable with the satellite manufacturer machines during testing and is tipped - along with Colin Edwards (Suter-BMW) - to be the CRT man to beat.

"I was really excited about the presentation," said the Frenchman. "We had the opportunity to see the new designs for the bike and leathers a while ago at Arag?n and they are beautiful.

"The start of the season is fast approaching and I consider that we are ready to go. We only have the weekend test at Jerez to go, at which we will get a better idea of what awaits us at the opening race."

Team-mate Espargaro is returning for his second season of MotoGP, having stepped down to Moto2 last year.

"The pre-season seemed to fly by for me, so now I just want to get the final test over and done with and get to Qatar. I am really excited to be part of this new CRT project. I hope that both my team-mate and I have a good season and that we fight to be the best CRT riders."

The final pre-season test takes place at Jerez from Friday to Sunday, when the full 2012 grid will be on track together for the first time.

Hector Barbera, Aspar's previous MotoGP rider, has switched to Pramac Ducati.

Aspar will continue to run bikes in all three grand prix classes this season.