Aprilia has announced it will not be competing in the Moto2 championship next year, as it believes it would be detrimental to its image. The Piaggio Group marque also said it will not supply bikes to privateer teams either.
Moto2, where bikes will use 600cc engines, replaces the 250cc category. All bikes will have to use Honda engines and Dunlop tires.
"The Moto2 championship does not present, in the Group's view, technological and sporting characteristics that make Aprilia's participation strategic for this type of competition," said the Piaggio Group in a statement.
"Therefore the Group feels it unnecessary and damaging for the image of a great Italian and European motorcycle manufacturer – who has won 43 world titles in road racing and off-road – to take part in competitions forcibly centered around the engine technology of a rival constructor."
Aprilia had six bikes in the top 10 in last year's championship and supplied bikes to the majority of the field. The Italian manufacturer had a test planned for next month.