Money forced Aitchison to leave Pedercini
New Team Grillini rider Mark Aitchison has revealed that his switch from the Pedercini team, with whom he enjoyed a successful debut SBK season in 2011, came about largely due to the lack of financial resources available to the team who gave him his break.
I was trying hard to put a deal together with the Pedercini Team with the support of Kawasaki," he told SBK.com. "But in the end they told me that they didn't have the whole budget to support me racing, even though they wanted me to stay with them."
Aitchison, who finished his debut season in 19th place with 36 points, will now race for Team Grillini in 2012, as they return to SBK following several years spent exploring other projects.
Looking ahead to the new challenge the Australian racer said he was expecting some exciting challenges in 2012. "I can definitely see Andrea Grillini has a very competitive nature and I like this very much.
"So with this in mind I know he will have high ambitions for this year's project in World SBK.
"Personally I know now I must focus on putting all the pieces together that can make my performance the best it can be.
"I can now focus on continuing my training program and work closely with the technicians for the upcoming testing schedule so as we arrive fully prepared for the first race at Phillip Island. In any case it will be great to be back on the grid in Australia for round one!"
While last season Aitchison rode a Kawasaki this time round he will be astride a BMW. "At the beginning, for at least the first round or two we will use the 2011 model, with key input and development from the BMW Italia machinery," he said.
"Afterwards, once we have our feet on the ground, we can switch to the 2012 model and take all the development from the earlier 2011 model.
"Most areas we are looking to develop will be done in-house, apart from the electronics, like engine and suspension. Working in-house on engine and chassis preparation, should enable us to work easier with the electronics supplier which will provide an in-house technician for all races and tests."