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Category: Superbikes
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 The first Grand Prix of the year marks Aprilia's return to the top World Championship category
Losail (Qatar), 24 March 2015 - The night races at the Qatar Grand Prix will launch the 2015 MotoGP season and mark Aprilia's return to the top world championship motorcycling competition with Gresini Racing. This is a courageous choice, move up one year ahead of the originally announced schedule, driven by the desire to grow more quickly, accepting the challenge of the track.
The steps in the project include this first year dedicated entirely to development, even and especially in race conditions, before introducing a Full Factory configuration prototype bike in 2016.
This is an ambitious plan, but well within the ability of the designers, engineers and structure of Aprilia Racing at Noale, which boasts 54 world championship wreaths, 28 of which from 2006 to the present, after Aprilia joined the Piaggio Group. The Manufacturer from Noale also skilfully demonstrated its competitiveness in World Superbike, where it quickly became a genuine dominator, earning an impressive seven world titles in the last five years.
The two riders who will be accompanying development of the RS-GP are a part of Aprilia's victorious history: Italian Marco Melandri, already a World Champion on his Aprilia in 2002 (250 Class), MotoGP runner-up champion in 2005 and one of the stars of the World Superbike scene; and Alvaro Bautista, Spaniard, World Champion in 2006 in the 250 class, also on a bike from Noale, and busy in the MotoGP class for the last five years.
It is an exciting challenge which has been taken on thanks to partnership between Aprilia and Gresini Racing, a structure founded and led by two-time World Champion Fausto Gresini and one of the most skilled and successful teams in recent MotoGP history that boasts an extraordinary presence in Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing, where it has been a key player since 1997 without interruption, having won two world titles and taking home 40 race wins.
ROMANO ALBESIANO (Aprilia Racing Manager)
“With the Qatar round Aprilia's MotoGP adventure begins. We are well aware that we will be sizing ourselves up against the highest technical and sports level in motorcycling, but we are doing it confident that we have all the means to develop a successful project. Aprilia's sports history demonstrates this. The purpose of the upcoming season for us is to gather data and know-how on MotoGP specific technologies, to strengthen the work group at home and on the track and simultaneously it will allow us to design a prototype and put it on the track in 2016. The constant competition with our rivals, definitely fierce and difficult for us at the moment, will allow us to speed up our growth process in the category, as has already happened during the winter tests.”
FAUSTO GRESINI (Team Manager)
“For Gresini Racing this will be season number 19 in Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing, but it is always very exciting when we finally get back on the track. For the first time we'll be coming to MotoGP as a ‘Factory’ team, proud to be taking on an exciting challenge alongside a glorious brand like Aprilia which has all the skill and know-how that this category demands. It will take time to develop our project, but I agree with Aprilia's decision to move their début up to compete with stronger rivals, even if that means that there may not be immediate results. We like this challenge and we also like our riders: Alvaro and Marco are highly skilled experts and their contribution will be essential, beginning with this first Grand Prix race where we will continue working hard, experimenting and testing, with the goal of growing and achieving a good level of competitiveness as quickly as possible.”
ALVARO BAUTISTA
“After the winter tests it's finally time to get back to racing! Every time a new season begins it is very exciting and in this case it's even more so because it is also the beginning of our challenge together with Aprilia. This first round actually represents the natural continuation of testing for us: in fact, our primary goal is to develop the bike, no matter what the results are on the track, and it's pointless to focus on those right now. The tests were important for identifying the basic technique to start with. We'll take on the Grand Prix resuming our hard work to keep growing and improving my sensations in the saddle. There is a lot of work to be done, but that doesn't frighten us. To the contrary, the whole team is very united and motivated to make progress. I like the Losail track and I obviously also hope to have fun this weekend!”
MARCO MELANDRI
“For me this weekend is the start of a new challenge: returning the MotoGP after several years of absence will not be a walk in the park and I am well aware that the first Grand Prix races will not be simple for me, but I am confident that I'll be able to make progress throughout the season until I find the right feeling to be fast. Unfortunately, besides the time needed to adapt to a completely new technical package compared to the one I was accustomed to, my winter tests were also hindered by physical problems. I had been taking antibiotics until three days ago because of a pesky flu and I still haven't fully recovered. But in any case I hope to be fit for the race weekend where I will give it 100% as always along with my team which is supporting me in the best possible way.”
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JORDI TORRES IS GROWING QUICKLY, CLOSE TO THE PODIUM IN BOTH RACES
Buriram (Thailand), 22 March 2015 – Two races that followed almost exactly the same script marked the début of the Thai Buriram circuit on the 2015 WSBK calendar.
Determined and generous, Leon Haslam rode his RSV4 to the second step of the podium twice in two races pushed to the limit wire to wire, strengthening his position in the overall standings.
In Race 1 Leon Haslam got off the line well from the second spot on the grid in the lead pack made up of Rea, Sykes, Lowes and Davies. Overtaking quickly, Aprilia Racing Team - Red Devils came up to second place to begin hunting down Rea. With an extremely fast central portion of the race, the Brit seemed to be worrying the lead rider, but in the end he had to "settle" for an excellent second place finish.
Race 2 also featured a duel between Rea and Haslam, who both demonstrated a decidedly better pace than their rivals throughout the weekend. Leon and his team made some changed to the RSV4 between the two races, managing to squeeze a bit more speed from it. The opposition from his adversaries, which is always fierce in Superbike, kept Haslam from staying in contact with the lead rider.
The double second place, on a brand new track, is an important result that confirms Haslam's role as a pretender for the title as SBK prepares to return to Europe for the next round.
Leon Haslam: “The team did a great job. Between the two races we took a big step forward. Rea was simply too fast today. We decided to use a harder front tyre and maybe with the softer one we could have been faster in the first part of the race, but it didn't gives us the guarantees we needed in terms of distance. In any case I'm pleased with the weekend, especially because compared to Friday we have really improved and I can't wait to get to Aragon. Being on the podium for the first two rounds of the season is definitely a great starting point.”
In Thailand rookie Jordi Torres once again showed great maturity and confirmed the quality of the Aprilia Racing Team - Red Devils decisions. Improving constantly, the Spaniard took full advantage of the start he earned yesterday in Superpole on the second row of the grid, without taking any risks in the first laps, but staying within reach of the podium. The characteristics of this circuit did not help him in his efforts: Jordi is still familiarising himself with his powerful Aprilia RSV4's braking system and he was competing on the track with some of the best “brakers” in the Superbike Championship. Thanks to his excellent progress in the final phases, in both races he finished just short of the podium. So he'll be going to his home race in Aragon with high ambitions.
Jordi Torres: “I am really happy about the work we did this weekend because, despite missing a session, we were able to come back well. The FP2 session is important for me because in the first session I learn the new track, whereas I need the second session to set up the base from which to work. Then on Saturday I have to focus on being fast for the qualifiers and Superpole. When I found myself behind Sykes I thought back to Phillip Island, where I crashed whilst trying to overtake him, and I decided to stay calm and study him in Race 1 without taking any risks. That was useful for me in Race 2. In the end I finished in the same position, but I'm learning lap after lap. Like I always say, the Aprilia RSV4 was made to win, and only when I reach that goal will I be able to be 100% satisfied.”
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ONLY 11 THOUSANDTHS OF A SECOND KEPT THE BRIT FROM HIS FIRST SUPERPOLE ON THE APRILIA RSV4
A NICE FIFTH BEST TIME AND THE SECOND ROW FOR JORDI TORRES IN HIS FIRST EXPERIENCE ON A QUALIFIER TYRE.
Buriram (Thailand), 21 March 2015 – First and second row on the starting grid for Aprilia, reigning world champion, on the Thai Buriram circuit.
It was a spectacular and heated Superpole right down to the end. Taking it with an advantage of just 11 thousandths of a second was Rea, followed by Aprilia standard bearer Leon Haslam, who put in two flying laps on a qualifier tyre.
For Leon Haslam (leading the standings after victory in Australia) this is the second start from the front row in two races since making his début with the Aprilia RSV4. Leon was among the front runners from the beginning even in the practice sessions, giving the fans a show and taking full advantage of his RSV4. After putting the best time on the sheets with his first attempt on a qualifier Leon kept on, further improving his performance. Just a small mistake in the final phases kept him from winning his first Superpole with Aprilia, in any case taking a promising second position on the grid for the two races tomorrow.
The excellent work done in the garage during the practice sessions allowed Leon to line up on the grid with comforting results in terms of race pace, on a track where the high temperatures make proper tyre management vital.
Leon Haslam: “I'm pleased with this Superpole. The first row was our goal. In the first lap with a qualifier I may have been a bit overly cautious, whereas in the second one I made a small mistake. In any case, in terms of race pace we are doing well. The guys at Aprilia have done a great job and the RSV4 adapted quickly to the new track. Tomorrow the track condition will be different and I expect that there will be several riders capable of making a play for the win.”
For Jordi Torres, a rookie in World Superbike this year, this was his first experience with a Pirelli Superpole tyre since in Australia the last session had been suspended. In any case, the Spaniard handled this new situation well, finishing with the fifth best time which earns him a spot on the second row of the starting grid for tomorrow.
Jordi Torres: “I would have needed a few more laps during this weekend, but unfortunately the rain this morning made us miss a session. In FP4 we managed to do a great job, getting back up front, but first and foremost increasing my feeling with the RSV4. In Superpole for the first time I used a qualifier and the second row is not too bad at all, but when you ride an Aprilia it's never enough! Tomorrow we'll have to use the warmup wisely to improve further, especially in the braking sections where I still haven't found the right solution to brake hard and keep the bike stable.”
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LEON HASLAM AND JORDI TORRES ARE DETERMINED TO CONTINUE THE WINNING STREAK BEGUN AT PHILLIP ISLAND.
Buriram (Thailand), 18 March 2015 – Aprilia is ready to tackle the second World Superbike Championship round that will be held from 20 to 22 March at the Chang International Circuit of Buriram in Thailand.
This will be the first time a world racing championship round has been held on the new Thai track which is 4554 metres long, designed by German Hemann Tilke.
The Chang International Circuit is located near the city of Buriram, more than 400 from the capital of Bangkok.
After a win and a second place finish at Phillip Island astride the world champion RSV4 and leader of the Manufacturer standings, Leon Haslam is keen to confirm his competitive edge on the new Thai track as well. In Australia the English rider showed that he has an excellent feeling with the Aprilia Racing – Red Devils team 2015 version RSV4 and that he is more than capable of taking advantage of its great potential. At Buriram Leon is also anxious to confirm his position at the top and maintain his leadership in the championship standings.
Leon Haslam: “I'm curious to see this new track that I'm told is characterised by two straight stretches a few slow turns. I'm expecting very high temperatures and a humid climate similar to Sepang, so I've been training and I'm ready to take on even difficult climates. In Australia my feeling on the RSV4 was excellent and I hope it will be the same in Thailand as well. We'll be working from Friday to find a setup suitable for this track and I hope to continue the positive trend we started at Phillip Island.”
Jordi Torres' début in the Superbike championship can certainly be considered positive. The young Spanish rider showed that he can keep up with the front runners, a situation that was confirmed by his performance in the first race. In Thailand Torres, who is coming from the Moto2 class, will have to work to adapt his riding style to the powerful RSV4, but he will be able to count on all the experience and skill of the Aprilia Racing – Red Devils team.
Jordi Torres: “I'm usually a quick learner on new tracks and I hope that will be the case for the Chang International Circuit as well. From what we're told it doesn't seem to be a track with any particular characteristics, so more than learning the new track I'll have to focus on my riding style, which I'm trying to adapt to the Aprilia RSV4. My maiden race in Superbike was positive, so I hope I'll be able to do well here in Thailand as well.”
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Losail (Qatar), 15 March 2015 – The second day of testing on the Losail circuit marks a milestone in the growth process for the Aprilia RS-GP. After the autumn tests in Valencia and Jerez and the two test sessions in Malaysia, Bautista and Melandri, the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini riders, chose which version will be the one to make its début in the MotoGP world championship.
Both Melandri and Bautista dedicated the day to developing solutions that will be taken to the races in two weeks when – on 29 March – the circuit just outside of Doha will host the first act of the 2015 season with night races.
Alvaro made a clear improvement, lapping with a time of 1.57,273, more than a second less than his time of 1.58,459 yesterday. Marco Melandri suffered the consequences of a pesky flu again today, significantly compromising his work. In the end Bautista put in 46 laps and Melandri 23 with a best time of 1.57,982, which is also progress compared to his time of 1,58.990 the day before.
ROMANO ALBESIANO (Aprilia Racing Manager) “We have now defined a version that we worked on all day. It is, as would be expected, a combination of the various RS-GP versions that we've tested on the track thus far. Tomorrow we'll pick up where we left off. For Alvaro it's a question of reacquiring the good feeling he had in Sepang, whereas for Marco, although hampered by poor health conditions, closed the gap behind the front runners. Now we have a lot of work ahead of us on the setup, especially in terms of managing the engine brake, electronics strategies and the chassis. On the other hand, I'm quite pleased with our progress session after session in terms of reliability. We need time and a lot of work and that is exactly why we are here.”
FAUSTO GRESINI (Team Manager) “What we need to do is simply continue working hard with the riders and stay united as a team in order to achieve a common goal, which is to improve constantly throughout the entire season. There is a lot to be done, but it is quite normal and we have always been well aware of that. These tests are very important for defining a base to use in the first Grand Prix, although we know that there will always be changes at each round.”
ALVARO BAUTISTA “Today we focused on the base that we selected for the first Grand Prix, trying various solutions in terms of chassis geometry in order to try and improve corner entry and my feeling with the front end. We need to eliminate some vibrations in mid turn that keep me from holding a good line. This track definitely has less grip than Sepang, but we still have a day left to work and we'll try to take the best possible advantage of it to gather as much information as possible so the racing department can work in view of the first race."
MARCO MELANDRI “We improved a bit today but we need to do better, especially on corner entry and getting the bike to close the line on the exit opening up the throttle. Unfortunately I still had a cough when I got to Qatar and I'm having trouble breathing, but today I'm a bit better than yesterday. I'm still short on energy but tomorrow I'm confident that I'll be a little stronger for the last session.”
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