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Category: Superbikes
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A LOT OF LAPS AND GOOD SENSATIONS FOR THE APRILIA RSV4
LEON HASLAM IS FIT AND READY FOR PHILLIP ISLAND, "ROOKIE" JORDI TORRES IS IMPROVING AND PLEASED
Jerez (Spain), 27 January 2015 - The two days at Jerez de la Frontera for the Aprilia-Red Devils team were intense, with riders Leon Haslam and Jordi Torres busy with the final tests before the opening round of World Superbike 2015 which will be held in Australia on 22 February.
Thanks to the decidedly fair weather, Leon and Jordi were able to complete a tight testing schedule, increasing their familiarity with the reigning World Champion bike, the Aprilia RSV4, lap by lap. Lap times were encouraging, but what really counts is that the range of possible adjustments was explored in terms of setup and electronics, gathering information which will be useful as the season develops.
Leon Haslam, already fast at Portimão, confirmed his excellent condition. His harmony with a bike that is new to him is impressive, so much that the rider from Ealing was able to work on tyre wear, simulating race conditions. Haslam put in 148 laps, the best of which in 1’40.069. "We took a lot of laps today, more than anyone else. We analysed a lot of things and now I feel really good on the bike in terms of setup. In a race simulation toward the end of the testing we were able to find a good speed and I gained confidence, even managing to improve on my best time using a soft tyre. That has always been a problem for me, putting the qualifier tyre to good use is another reason for us to be pleased with these tests. Phillip Island is a track that I like and apparently it suits my Aprilia well, so we'll definitely be optimistic going into our first race."
The "rookie", Jordi Torres, showed significant progress compared to the previous tests. Determined to do well in his rookie World Superbike year, the twenty-seven year old Spaniard took full advantage of the two days he had, lapping consistently (169 times around the track by the end of the tests) and stopping the clock at 1'41.983 on his best lap. He also did a lot of work with used tyres and reported a decidedly positive feeling.
Jordi Torres: "I'm pleased with the way things went. We were able to try a lot of things. The bike is easy to ride, that's my first impression, even if I still don't feel like I'm at 100%, especially when braking in the middle of a turn. There are still a lot of things I need to figure out, but I'll be heading to Phillip Island confidently, especially since we did a good job with race tyres. We could have shaved off a few more tenths of a second, maybe testing the qualifier tyre, but overall I'm quite pleased."
Six-time World Champion Max Biaggi was also in the Aprilia garage at Jerez, with Michael Laverty working alongside him as a test rider. Biaggi made excellent progress, topped off with a best time of 1'41.9 in race simulation.
 Max Biaggi: "At the beginning of these tests I had a bit of trouble getting back into the groove, but that's normal after a long break. Little by little I began to feel more comfortable with the bike and my times began to show it, so as a result my enthusiasm also increased because I'm always happy to be in the saddle. I'm happy that we were able to complete the testing schedule. That's what I'm here for and I adapted willingly to the Team's needs. We are all quite pleased with this return 3 years after my last time around the track on a Superbike. In the future I expect to put in some faster laps so I can give accurate indications in “race” mode."
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FOR SUPERBIKE AND SUPERSTOCK 1000 CHAMPIONSHIPS
2015 - 2016
The partnership with the Althea Racing Team presented in the Montecchio Maggiore headquarters
FIAMM top management, the pilots, and the Althea Racing General Manager all present.
Montecchio Maggiore, 30 January 2015 – The partnership between FIAMM, the leading company in the automotive component sector and energy systems, and the Althea Racing Team, a prestigious Italian motorcycling team and four-time winner of the Superbike and Superstock World Championships, was presented to the press.
FIAMM will be the official sponsor of the Althea Racing Team for the 2015 -2016 seasons, both in the Fim World Championship Superbike and in the Fim Cup Superstock 1000.
Superbike-class riders Matteo Baiocco and Nicolas Terol, as well as Superstock 1000-class riders Raffaele De Rosa and Luca Salvadori were also present at the event. The former are veterans of the Jerez de la Frontera test, where they obtained excellent results in view of the first race of the season to be held on Phillip Island next 22 February.
The event conducted by sports journalists Giovanni di Pillo and Gian Luca dall’Ara was also attended by FIAMM CEO, Stefano Dolcetta, FIAMM Executive Vice President Market & Product Reserve & Mobility Power Solutions, Nicolò Gasparin, and Althea Racing Team patron, Genesio Bevilacqua.
FIAMM will sponsor the Althea Team and its brand will be present on the motorbike fairing, on the riders' racing suits and their clothing, on the team vehicles used for transport, on the outside walls of the box and Hospitality booth, and on everything regarding communications.
“FIAMM has always believed in motorsports as a vehicle for promoting its brand and image in both Italian and foreign markets,” affirms Stefano Dolcetta, CEO of FIAMM.
“I remember our commitment during the 1980’s and ‘90s in the Formula One of Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and Michele Alboreto, but even the epic deeds of the Group B Rallies where Audi, Lancia, and the Superbike competed with the reds of Borgo Panigale, winning on circuits worldwide. More recently, we sponsored Peugeot, the multi-champion of Italia Rally, and supported the Ferrari Challenge."
In light of this constant interest in the world of racing motorcycles, two years ago FIAMM decided to invest in becoming a leader of the motor sports.
“For us, Superbike represents the ultimate vehicle,” explains Nicolò Gasparin, FIAMM Executive Vice President Market & Product Reserve & Mobility Power Solutions, “above all since this type of motorcycle derives from the series and is therefore very similar to products that the public can buy and equip with FIAMM products.
We made contact with Althea as soon as 2012 and today we firmly believe in the Team’s potential.”
"I am truly grateful for the trust that FIAMM has placed in our team,” shares Genesio Bevilacqua, General Manager of Althea, “and I am honoured to bring to the track an Italian brand that has accompanied so many riders and teams in its long history.
The FIAMM Group, founded in 1942, produces and distributes accumulators for automobile ignitions and industrial use (UPS, energy reserves) and acoustic signals (automobile horns and sirens). The group is now present in 60 countries with about 3300 employees worldwide and about 1200 in Italy. The 2014 turnover amounted to a value of 560 million Euro. The main markets served are Italy (26%) and the rest of Europe (51%), where direct sales to auto manufacturers (BMW, Fiat-Chrysler, Ford, Mercedes, GM-Opel, PSA, Renault-Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Jaguar, Ferrari, Maserati) represent about 30% of the turnover.
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British Superbike rider geared up for the season
•BSB race winner protected by Kushitani in 2015
•Will use leathers based on range-topping Elevation suit
•Josh will also use GPR-6 gloves - £189.95
Josh Waters will race in Kushitani leathers and gloves in the 2015 MCE British Superbike series on his factory-supported Halsall Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000.
The 28-year old Australian, a former two-time Australian Superbike champion and British Superbike race winner, is no stranger to the historic Japanese brand. Racing for the Yoshimura Racing Team on three occasions at the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hour, Josh took to the podium in 2011 and 2014 protected by Kushitani products.
For the 2015 MCE British Superbike Championship, Josh will re-unite with the Halsall Team he raced with in 2013 but will continue with Factory-backed Suzuki machinery that took him to two wins in the 2014 BSB series and a brace of top six finishes.
Over the 12 round series, Josh will utilise a fully customised version of the Kushitani Elevation; the Hamamatsu factory’s premier, GP-spec suit. Starting from £1649, it boasts a 1.5mm cowhide construction made from a breed of cows unique to Kushitani and is available to all customers fully customisable, in terms of sizing, colours and detailing.
Josh will also use the range-topping Kushitani GPR-6 gloves developed in MotoGP™ and the Suzuka 8-Hours. The GPR-6 glove gets its name from having six layers of outer protection and is the highest specification glove from Kushitani, focusing on maximum protection and comfort for riders who seek to get the most from their machines. Priced at £189.95, it is available in red, white, or black in sizes S-XXL.
Josh Waters said: “I’m really pleased to be wearing Kushitani products throughout the entire 2015 season. From their close working relationship with Yoshimura Racing, I’ve Kushitani in the Suzuka 8 Hours and that is a race that really pushes a product hard. Not only do I trust it for its excellent protection and comfort, the finish of them is truly stunning.”
Visit www.kushitani-uk.co.uk for more information
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1993 500cc World Champion to race at Jerez in June aboard his iconic Suzuki RGV500 XR84, while Graeme Crosby also adds his name to the impressive line-up
Another true legend of grand prix motorcycle racing – Kevin Schwantz – is the latest confirmed rider at the upcoming World GP Bike Legends extravaganza. The 1993 500cc World Champion will be racing flat out alongside a host of fellow former titleholders at Jerez, Spain, on 19-21 June.
The American ace will be reunited with the very Suzuki RGV500 XR84 that carried the #1 plate during his 1994 season as World Champion (see fact file below). Schwantz will be part of the ‘Race of Legends’ features taking place on all three days, in which he will clash fairings with a huge host of fellow racing icons. Kevin joins Freddie Spencer, Wayne Gardner and Christian Sarron who are all former champions already confirmed for World GP Bike Legends as well as multiple race winner Didier de Radiguès.
Racing full time in the World Championship between 1988 and 1995, the Texan scored 25 race victories and won over a huge host of fans all around the world and will undoubtedly put on a spectacular show in June.
“When I first heard about the event it sounded like it would be a great time,” said Schwantz. "It’s going to be some good fun to be back out there with the ‘ole boys on our 500’s! Spain has always been the most popular place for Grand Prix racing and I look forward to seeing the huge crowds and all the fans at the event!”
As if the Legends needed another excuse to party, Friday night, the 19th June, is also Kevin's birthday so make sure you're there to celebrate it with him!
What’s more, another front-running rider from the heyday of grand prix motorcycle racing has also just been confirmed – Graeme Crosby. The New Zealander rode his Yamaha YZR500 to the runner-up spot in the 1982 World Championship, beating the likes of Spencer, Kenny Roberts and Barry Sheene in the process. As well as his grand prix successes, Crosby has a wide following thanks to victories in the Daytona 200, the Imola 200, the Suzuka 8 Hours and the Isle of Man TT.
“It’s going to be just like the good old days,” enthused Crosby. “We’ll be back out on the old two-stroke bikes which are themselves very special, but even better it’s going to be great to see and ride with everyone again. I can’t wait to get down to Jerez!”
The groundbreaking event will not only bring together what will likely be the biggest ever grids of former World Champions to do battle on the circuit, but offers a full weekend of entertainment. With music legend Bonnie Tyler just announced to headline the Saturday evening’s main stage and more artists to be confirmed in the coming weeks, the fun won’t stop when the chequered flag drops. There will also be a shopping village offering a huge variety of motorcycle and racing paraphernalia along with loads of other entertainment and demonstrations.
There are currently significant early bird discounts on weekend tickets – with the full weekend price fixed at €55 until 31 March 2015. Tickets provide bike fans will full access to grandstands, race paddocks, the trade village and the live music concerts. For more information go to www.worldgpbikelegends.com
Keep updated with all the news as it happens by following World GP Bike Legends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Photo caption: Kevin Schwantz (main above, below top row) and Graeme Crosby (below bottom row) have will race in the inaugural World GP Bike Legends at Jerez on 19-21 June.
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Official crash protection supplier to the 2015 BSB Championship
• R&G becomes official crash protection supplier to BSB
• Creation of R&G Newcomers Trophy across all classes
• Paddock-based race service at each round
• Increased retail presence throughout Championship
• Amplified branding in and around circuits and TV coverage
• Arrangement extends to MSV Track Days (MSVT)
R&G has become the official crash protection supplier to the 2015 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship as part of multi-structured deal with MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR).
Founded in 1999, Hampshire-based R&G quickly became the leading manufacturer of crash protection products for motorcycles, thanks to its innovative designs and model-bespoke fitments. During these 16 years, the Company has expanded into products that defend a motorcycle from damage caused from everyday riding, as well as offering a huge range of bike-related accessories.
In addition to becoming the official crash protection supplier: R&G will have a massively increased presence within MCE BSB, supporting riders and teams with a race paddock service, ACU discount, amplified branding in and around the circuits, more televised coverage, and the introduction of the R&G Newcomers Trophy. Spectators will also be able to take advantage of a dedicated retail shop at each round.
The agreement with MSVR also extends to MSV Trackdays (MSVT), with R&G products being used on the instructors’ bikes and promoted at the events.
MCE BSB Series Director, Stuart Higgs, said: “R&G is a recognised and award-winning brand, focused on protecting motorcycles, ultimately saving riders money, and I’m really excited that we’ve been able to increase our working relationship within the MCE British Superbike Championship and also to cover MSV Trackdays.
“The cost of racing is never likely to drastically reduce, but we’ve seen many times that fitting top quality, strategically-placed protection can make a huge difference to a bike in a crash and reduce delays caused by oil spillages, particularly on track days.”
R&G Managing Director, Simon Hughes, said: “I’m delighted to reach this deal with MSVR and for R&G to become more closely aligned with such a prestigious championship that reflects the same values as our brand. Racing is at the core of R&G and a large part of how we develop our expanding product ranges. We’ve always invested back into the sport and this agreement with MSVR should only help to reinforce that.
Secondary engine covers are a mandatory product at MCE BSB, to help prevent oil contaminating the track from a crashed bike, potentially causing further incidents. R&G’s Engine Case Covers were approved for use in all classes within the Championship in 2014 and were exclusively used by every bike competing the 2014 TriStar R&G Triple Challenge, as well as being trusted by Team WD-40 and Gearlink Kawasaki, among many others.
R&G will also be announcing its sponsored teams and riders for the 2015 season in both national and worldwide championships in due course.
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