Aprilia have finally confirmed that Marco Melandri will replace Eugene Laverty in their works World Superbike, teaming up with this year's third-placed man Sylvain Guintoli.

Although it has been common knowledge for a while, the confirmation only turned up this morning. Melandri tested the RSV4 at Jerez last week and was reportedly on good pace despite an ankle injury suffered while crashing a motocross bike.

“Coming back to ride the brand that brought me my first World Champion title is - first and foremost - very exciting. Speaking from a human and personal point of view, there are so many memories that tie me to Aprilia and they are memories of victories," said Melandri.

"In all these years Aprilia has demonstrated its worthiness in racing, winning one world title after another, so I am sure that I will find an environment where we are always ready to compete for victory.

"From a technical point of I am quite anxious to race on the RSV4, a bike that I have done battle with many times on the track. I think that she and I will get along well, but the track, the first testing sessions and above all the races to come will give us the answer to that one.

"And then I think that riding an Italian bike into battle for the world title is amazing for an Italian rider. So follow along with us. It's going to be an exciting and fun season."