Last September former two-time World Champion (125cc in 2001 and 250cc in 2004) Manuel Poggiali – who retired when he was just 25 – told the Italian press that he was interested in returning to the race track as a MotoGP test rider, but since no team seemed interested in hiring him in this capacity, the talented Italian has decided to return to action as as full-fledged rider and will be competing in the 2013 CIV.
Poggiali will be riding a Ducati Panigale R equipped with 17″ Michelin tires for Grandi Corse team in the Superbike category.
Grandi Corse based in Rovigo, is run by former rider Davide Grandi (who fielded Gianluca Nannelli in the 2012 CIV) and it was Grandi who convinced Poggiali to return to racing after lending him his CIV prepared Ducati 1198 RS at the Adria circuit.
The team manager said, “When he got off the bike, I could see right away from his expression that we could do it, he practically fell in love.
”With Poggiali now on board the team also hopes to capitalize on his popularity so they can find other sponsors and complete their 2013 racing budget.
Poggiali will turn 30 next month.