PICS: Aegerter starts 'Kawasaki' MotoGP test

Moto2 star Dominique Aegerter began his 'Kawasaki' MotoGP test at Jerez on Monday.

Aegerter had initially described the outing as a MotoGP test on a "prototype", the invite for which "came directly from the [Kawasaki] factory".

That prompted speculation that Kawasaki is considering a factory return to the premier-class, which it left at the end of 2009.

However it seems the test is being conducted by tuning-company Akira, which previously supplied ZX-10R-based engines for the Avintia MotoGP team.

Aegerter worked with Akira before, making his MotoGP debut with Avintia at last June's Catalunya test.

However it is unclear why Akira is continuing to invest time, money and effort into its MotoGP project - unless the project has some kind of Kawasaki backing.

With the last of the struggling CRT bikes now gone, this year's MotoGP line-up will consist entirely of factory-made prototypes from Honda, Yamaha, Ducati, Suzuki and Aprilia. In Avintia's case, they have moved both riders to Ducati machinery.

According to Speedweek.com, Aegerter's Jerez lap times are "much too slow", largely due to the use of Michelin tyres from the Spanish championship. Aegerter also said that he has "no idea" what Akira has planned for the bike, which features a new chassis and engine.

Aegerter is sharing the Jerez circuit with WSBK riders, including the Kawasaki Racing Team, so lots of factory engineers are nearby... The Swiss, whose Technomag team is switching from Suter to Kalex in Moto2, signalled his big-bike potential with a podium finish at last year's Suzuka 8 hours.

Hector Barbera claimed Kawasaki pledged factory support for the Avintia team last season. The Spaniard said he felt "fooled" when the limited developments received instead came from Akira.