After racing the two last seasons with the Proton KR team directed by Kenny Roberts he will be in a British team with Byrne as team mate. McWilliams was on the verge of renewing his contract with Roberts but the doubts concerning the tyre supplier for the team made him listen to Aprilia�s offer which guaranteed continuity with Michelin.

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"After signing the contract I am really motivated to fight next year" - McWilliams says - "I am very excited to ba able to return to a factory team like Aprilia and I am convinced that we will manage to get a competitive bike, and especially when using Michelin tyres. This is a great move for me; the bike has showed itself to be more competitive this year than when I rode it.

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�McWilliams has a close relationship with the Italian factory after riding their machines for several seasons in the 250cc and 500cc categories. In the 2000 campaign he got a memorable podium position at Donington Park, after fighting for victory against Valentino Rossi on the 500cc triple. A year later he was competing in 250cc, and got the first victory in his career in the Dutch GP. In addition, the veteran rider has a Ducati dealership in his native Belfast.