Aspar to continue with Honda in MotoGP in 2015

Spain’s high-profile Aspar squad will continue its MotoGP relationship with Honda in 2015 after confirming it will race a pair of production RCV1000R machines again in a two-rider outfit.

Aspar boss Gino Borsoi said the team will continue with Honda, despite a tough 2014, with the new production RCV1000R not as competitive as had been anticipated.

Former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden and ex-250GP champ Hiroshi Aoyama have scored just two top 10 finishes between them in the opening eight races of the campaign.

A lack of engine performance has meant the experienced duo have not been able to capitalise on the benefits of the new Open class like more fuel and softer tyres.

But with HRC pledging a major upgrade for the RCV1000R next season, which will include a pneumatic valve motor like the RC213V factory prototype, Aspar is not planning to switch to a rival brand.

Borsoi told MCN: “We are happy with Honda. The bike is not really fast at the moment but Honda is Honda. When they decide to make a big step it is a really big step and we need to wait. Unfortunately it is not a good solution because we need to find solutions quickly to get a good result immediately. But we believe in Honda and we know a future with them will be really nice. We are very happy with what they are planning and the crucial thing is the engine. At the moment we need more engine performance because the chassis is in a good way. When we get 30bhp more at least we can try and fight on the straight. Now we can fight in the corners but not on the straight.”

American Hayden has a two-year deal with Aspar while Aoyama, who has scored points in every race, is still a candidate for the second seat, according to Borsoi.