Robbie Rolfo and Airwaves Ducati's Shane Byrne have both been tipped to join Max Biaggi in the official Aprilia World Superbike squad next season.

Biaggi, who signed for the squad midweek, is to make an official announcement at the team unveiling in Rome on Saturday but it's not clear who will ride the second bike.
“Biaggi was our number one choice and I’m delighted to have him back with us”, explains Leo Francesco Mercanti, the Piaggio Group’s Director of Product Development and Sports Activities.

“Biaggi has written some of the most important chapters in the history of Aprilia’s racing career. He gave us our first really important victories, and rode for us in seasons that saw us dominating the championship.

"In short, Max Biaggi put Aprilia firmly in the history books of motorcycle racing. To have Biaggi with us to ride the Aprilia RSV4 means the beginning of a whole new challenge. We are convinced that he will give expression to our passion, technical skill, and desire for victory.”

Byrne rode the infamous Cube in MotoGP and still has close links with the factory. He has been searching for a World Superbike ride and wants works machinery although he has been given no deadline to re-sign for GSE in the UK.

Rolfo has tested the new Aprilia and his lap times had reportedly been as quick or quicker than Noriuki Hags's fastest lap at some test in Valencia. Rolfo has walked away from the Hannspree Althea squad Britain's Tommy Hill has taken his Superbike ride there.