Aprilia test in Jerez

Despite dominating the opening round of the world superbike season with two 1-2’s the factory Aprilia have been testing at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit for a two day test.

Factory riders Eugene Laverty and Sylvain Guintoli were joined by former Aprilia Grand Prix rider Alex Hoffman for the two day test.

The Aprilia RSV4 has not been radically modified since last season, but it has undergone a targeted evolution to make fine tuning easier and to make it less susceptible to variations in weather conditions, affecting only the chassis set-up and the electronics.

Eugene Laverty posted 140 laps over the two days, with a best time of 1′41.47, whilst team mate Sylvain Guintoli managed 121 laps, with a best lap just over a second behind his team mates of 1′42.79.

“We certainly got off on the right foot at Phillip Island,” said Aprilia Racing Technical and Sport Director, Gigi Dall’Igna.

“With results that provide us with confirmation of the good job we did over the winter break. However, in the racing world if you snooze you lose, especially if you base everything on a single, albeit excellent, result.

“We are fully aware that not every weekend will be like the one in Australia, so we will keep working on the RSV4 and testing new solutions that will allow us to gain precious tenths of a second. These tests are also important for the riders.

“A long break between the first and second round could lead to a drop in tension. I must say that Eugene and Sylvain are two great professionals. They are very skilled at enhancing and developing the work done by our engineers and mechanics. This is an excellent calling card for the rest of the season.”

Aprilia test rider Alex Hofmann was filmed chasing Eugene Laverty around the Jerez circuit, and that video is attached below for you to enjoy.