Former World Superbike front runner Ruben Xaus has moved into a management role with Bimota with the hope of turning its 2012 HB4 into a Moto2 contender with the help of Edo Racing.

Xaus tested the bike at Almeria, complete with new Bitubo suspension, and was happy with the results and said that the firm's WSBK project is also running on schedule and could compete in a round next season.

"I'm part of Bimota since a few months and I'm trying to bring my whole experience as world-known rider. I decided to create a development project, a joint venture with Edo Racing that could allow more flexibility and a faster service so the company can fully concentrate on the planning and prototyping," said the Catalan rider.

"I really liked the HB4 2012 and its easiness to ride. It really "feels" the adjustments and the BITUBO suspensions really helped. SKB is at its beginnings. We just had to check different solutions about the chassis and from the next step forward we'll get to know better which is our project-competitiveness level."