Despite denials that reigning 250GP Champion Marco Simoncelli would not be riding an Aprilia RSV4 at the first two rounds of this year's 2 World Superbike Championship, the rumours are getting stronger.

The youngster tested his factory's Superbike at Valencia in December and was only fractionally slower than the bike's official riders Max Biaggi and Shinya Nakano.

Initially, Aprilia said they didn't have enough bikes to make sure Simoncelli had something competitive under him – however, the factory is desperate to ensure the RSV4's development is brought on as fast as possible.

In terms of marketing, having Simoncelli on the bike, and at the front, is invaluable. Three bikes in the top seven at the opening two rounds is a lot to ask, but not impossible...