No time to rest for Cecchinello.

With the MotoGP series all wrapped up for the year, you may well think that the drivers can sit back and relax until it all kicks off again in the new year. This is not the case for 125cc rider Lucio Cecchinello however. The ambitious Italian not only rides in one of the world's most exciting bike series, but owns his own team. If this wasn't enough, he is now planning on starting a team in the 250cc class for 2002. All this means there is much work to be done and an awful lot prepared before the coming season.

"I have stopped training for the moment so I can dedicate 100% to arranging the plans for next season, the agreements I make with the riders are of utmost importance. I will not start my training until the second half of January, at the same time as our pre-season testing programme gets under way." Cecchinello was reported to say to the official Motogp website.

2001 was successful for Cecchinello, having finished fourth in the championship and scoring a win. He plans to continue riding in the 125cc class for 2002 with the backing of Aprilia bikes. He is looking for a new team mate and his his eye on a young hopeful already: 'I am currently in San Marino, and have just been discussing the possibilities of having Alex de Angelis on our second bike in 2002," said Cecchinello. "I spoke with him and his father and they are considering my offer to them. We will once again have the official Aprilia bikes next season, so I think it is a good offer I am making to potential riders.'

The 250cc team looks promising with the likes of David Checa joining the side: 'David Checa is now confirmed for next season, and that's great to have him on board," said Cecchinello. "It is now just the question of the second rider. We have been talking with Australian youngster Casey Stoner and his father about the possibility of having him riding with us next season, but no contract has been signed yet. I will, however, be travelling to Barcelona in late November to speak with them once again.'

In between all these preparations Cecchinello has squeezed himself in some valuable time. He is planning on going away with his girlfriend to Mauritius in January before he begins his training and testing for the new season.