The first official outing for Max Biaggi and the Aprilia RSV4 ahead of the 2009 World Superbike championship. Everything happened yesterday and today on the splendid Portuguese track of Portimao, where the final race of 2008 was held last Sunday. Max underwent two intense days of testing that totaled 110 laps; fifty on Tuesday with a best time of 1:45.48 and sixty today as he stopped the clock at 1:44.12.
“This race at Portimao was my first real test atop an Aprilia – declared Biaggi – after my initial contact with the bike last month in Valencia. We worked hard to find a good starting point that will help us to adapt the motorcycle to the various circuits of the upcoming tests and future races. There are still a few problems to sort out but we are only beginning and the motorcycle remains in the development phase. I am therefore fairly satisfied with our work; we collected a lot of data that will allow the technicians to produce new components to further advance the RSV4. We need to define how and where we can improve and slowly, the complete package will fall into place and the bike will be competitive from the start. However, we obviously need to get busy. I am very happy to be working with this team; we already have a great feeling and are working well together. I feel like I've returned home after many years.”