Espargaro on brink of CRT title defence

With more than twice the points of his nearest privateer rival, Aleix Espargaro is on verge of defending his CRT-class MotoGP crown.

The Aspar Aprilia rider has been the top privateer in all but two rounds this year, scoring a total of 76 points - compared with 31 for next best Colin Edwards, the rider Espargaro is rumoured to be partnering at Forward Racing Yamaha next season.

Despite his huge lead, with four rounds and a potential 100 points remaining, Espargaro may need to wait until at least Phillip Island before mathematically deciding the CRT crown.

But in reality no privateer has scored more than eight points per race so far this year, meaning only a disaster can deprive him of the title.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Malaysian round at Sepang, Espargaro said:

"Sepang is possibly the hardest of the three [flyaway] races because of the heat but I still love the circuit and it is a lot of fun to ride.

"I suppose we will struggle down the long straights compared to the other bikes, but I am looking forward to getting started and maybe if results go to form we can look forward to being crowned CRT champions in Australia.

"That is what we will be working towards."

Phillip Island is the second of the flyway events, followed by Japan and then the season finale at Valencia.

The privateer 'Claiming Rule' is being dropped for 2014, when MotoGP entries will simply be either factory or non-factory.