McWilliams and Aoki re-sign for Roberts

Jeremy McWilliams will continue to partner Nobuatso Aoki in the Proton/Kenny Roberts set-up in 2003 it has just been announced.

The pair will ride the new Proton/KR V5 four-stroke currently under development. Despite giving away as much as 30bhp to some of their four-stroke rivals the squad has achieved excellent results this season, including a front row start for McWilliams at Rio.

Roberts said: ” Each of my riders has performed way beyond anybody’s expectations so far this year.

” I knew they were both good riders, but I had no idea just how much they would bring to the team, how hard they’d be prepared to try nor how well they’d work together as a team.

” There was never any question in my mind that I wanted them to stay for our new four-stroke venture. ”

McWilliams said: ” I had no hesitation in staying. In fact, I wish I’d joined the team a lot earlier. It suits me in so many ways and I think it’s fair to say that I am the right sort of rider for this team as well.

” I’ve never raced a four-stroke before and I don’t say it’ll be easy, but I don’t have any fears and I’m really looking forward to it. ”

The team has also confirmed it will stick with Bridgestone tyres next season.