When Jorge “Aspar” Martinez finally got his chance to field a team in MotoGP, his first pick was 250cc rider Alvaro Bautista who turned his back on a satellite Ducati Desmosedici ride preferring to sign up with Suzuki for the next two years.
With a need of a Spanish rider to pacify his sponsor, Martinez turned to his second choice Héctor Barberá, who has his own personal sponsorship backing.
Speculation had it that Barberà had already signed at Brno, immediately after Bautista confirmed his deal with Suzuki, but it was only today that Martinez confirmed that Barberà has signed a one year contract with his team, with a further option for 2011.
The feisty Spanish rider is currently fourth in the 250cc standings and his name was one of the many linked to a Yamaha Tech 3 ride during silly season.