Aoyama lands Honda scholarship for GP250.
Honda has awarded its third 'racing scholarship' to 21-year old Shuhei Aoyama, the reigning All-Japan 250cc class champion.
The award, which is open to promising riders under the age of 22 competing in the All-Japan 250cc series, is expected to propel the Japanese prospect into a full-time 250cc grand prix ride next season, most likely with Alberto Puig's Repsol Honda team. Aoyama clinched his national crown on the back of six wins in seven races, and he follows in the footsteps of previous award winners Hiroshi Aoyama and Yuki Takahashi.
Honda has awarded its third 'racing scholarship' to 21-year old Shuhei Aoyama, the reigning All-Japan 250cc class champion.
The award, which is open to promising riders under the age of 22 competing in the All-Japan 250cc series, is expected to propel the Japanese prospect into a full-time 250cc grand prix ride next season, most likely with Alberto Puig's Repsol Honda team. Aoyama clinched his national crown on the back of six wins in seven races, and he follows in the footsteps of previous award winners Hiroshi Aoyama and Yuki Takahashi.
"I worked hard all year to take the championship so that I could meet the scholarship conditions, so I am really happy about this decision," Aoyama admitted, "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our team, the sponsors and the fans for providing me with so much support in so many ways. I am determined to try my best to meet my next goal of winning the world championship."
The scholarship is designed to give its recipient a leg-up into the 250cc class at world championship level and sustain that position for two seasons, after which the rider is expected to pursue his or her career independently.
