World Superbike champion Colin Edwards and Noriyuki Haga have deserted the series to ride for Aprilia in MotoGP next season.

The pair's switch to Grand Prix racing had been expected but the announcement confirms that Aprilia have withdrawn from the World Superbike Championship.

Edwards and Haga will be the Italian team's only works riders in 2003 after 250cc world champion Marco Melandri switched to Yamaha's MotoGP effort.

Aprilia president Ivano Beggio said he was delighted with the switch but warned against over-expectation.

Launching pad

"I have always wanted the MotoGP project to go forward in the hope that it will become a centre of technological and sporting excellence in Aprilia," he said.

"The results of the first year of development work on the bike will act as a launching pad towards greater competitiveness next season.

"We are putting great emphasis on the innovation and evolution we are capable of, as well as on the talent of the two riders selected for the 2003 challenge."

Edwards and Haga will get their first taste of Aprilia's MotoGP bike later this month.