SPECIAL INCENTIVE FOR ALVARO BAUTISTA, STEFAN BRADL READY TO CAPITALISE ON HIS RS-GP'S AGILITY

ROMANO ALBESIANO: "CHASSIS, ELECTRONIC AND AERODYNAMIC UPGRADES"

After the overseas start to the season, MotoGP makes its début in Europe with the Spanish round at Jerez. This is a track that marks an important turning point for Aprilia, and not only in geographical terms. In fact, it has a layout with decidedly different characteristics than the tracks from the first three races. This is a layout that, on paper, could favour the peculiarities of the new Aprilia RS-GP.

A scheduled development programme will also begin in Spain, the first fruits of which will be seen this weekend. There are chassis upgrades, developments with the electronics and aerodynamics born out of the experience gained during the first outings of the 2016 prototype. Therefore, after the encouraging results achieved in the first races, for the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini this promises to be a race with multiple incentives, where the primary goal is still to continue racking up kilometres and experience.


ROMANO ALBESIANO - APRILIA RACING MANAGER
"In the first three races of the season we were able to collect a lot of data that also highlight the areas where we need to improve the most right now. Building from there, we have laid out our development schedule for the European races, a programme that will begin already this weekend with the first, important steps in terms of the chassis, electronics and aerodynamics. Jerez is Alvaro's home race and he did very well here last year, whereas Stefan is enjoying a good trend, as his recent results demonstrate. I expect that both of them, also considering the characteristics of the track, will be able to take another step forward in terms of performance".

FAUSTO GRESINI - TEAM MANAGER
"The results are positive, thanks to the efforts of the Aprilia technicians and the entire team. We are preparing for a long series of races in Europe, with the Jerez round representing an important test bench. When a bike works well on this track it is generally effective almost everywhere. So we are anxiously awaiting this GP, knowing we can count on upgrades that can help us make progress".

ALVARO BAUTISTA
“We're beginning the European races after a decidedly positive start to the season, given the fact that we were able to earn points in every race with a completely new bike. And we could have done even better if it hadn't been for a few things that were beyond our control. Jerez is a much shorter track and rather different from the ones where we've raced so far. It will be interesting to see how the RS-GP performs. I think that it will be a fundamental weekend for finding a good base. Until now we have taken on particular circuits with very specific setup needs. I also like it because a lot of fans and my friends will be there, so that will make for a special atmosphere. The goal is to keep going down the path we have already started, finishing the race and staying as close as possible to the top 10”.

STEFAN BRADL
“The first European race of the season is always long-awaited. Jerez is an interesting track because it has a completely different layout that the one on the tracks we've tackled so far. Overall it is a slow track, with short straight stretches where power doesn't count for too much, so the excellent agility of our bike could allow us to take a further step forward. I'm pumped up for the weekend since we will have the support of our European fans, who always make their presence and warmth felt, as well as some electronics upgrades that the guys at Aprilia have been working on nonstop”.

This article from Superbike-Coach Corp will give you and idea what rules you're facing, what to bring, how to prepare and even a bunch of tips to make it as safe as possible for yourself and others. 

• Check for oil moist or leaks under the bike and see oil filter and drain bolt are tight with a proper wrench. Consider to make a oil change before your track day anyway, and go with the best… Bel Ray Oils!
• Check your chain slag and set it right according to your manual
• Check your brake pads (no go for 50% off lifetime) and worn rotors. Also consider the age of your braking fluid
• Check rest life of your tires (no go for 60% off lifetime). If you are worried about your tires: GO CHANGE THEM BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT (we have no tire service in the paddock). Besides knobby tires, we allow all tire types, because you should know best what they and you are capable of. Inform yourself for recommended tire pressures, because we don’t know. New Dunlop motorcycle tires are highly recommended.
• Bring rain- or street bike tires if it supposed to rain. All track day events and organizers are- like ours- rain or shine! Oh... and some socks to change as well :)
• Tape over all glass and lights AND tape over the speedometer. You do not need the speedometer on the racetrack. It is an unsafe distraction
• Suspension setup: Don’t waste time and money on this too much. A better rider would make 10-20 seconds less on your bike with the same setup. Come out and have fun!
• Safety wire your action cameras to not hurt somebody else!

Read more here

The sun shone over Prescott Bike Festival yesterday, and bikers turned up in their droves to support the annual event, which is now in its sixth year. The festival is the biggest annual fundraiser for the charity and raises vital funds to enable them to carry out their life saving work.

Festival Organiser Gordon Downie said “It was another hugely successful Bike Fest and we'd like to thank everyone who helped make it so, from those that took to the hill, the entertainers, musicians, volunteers, marshals, bike clubs to trade stands and exhibitors - not least the thousands of visitors who came to support us. We'll post the final results on our Facebook page shortly, but early doors suggest that it's going to be a bumper sum going to the Blood Bike charities again this year and we are incredibly grateful”.

He continued “We would like to express our sincere apologies for the parking issues. The dreadful weather experienced on Friday and Saturday severely damaged the ground conditions and caused traffic delays. We appreciated the patience and good humour received as we struggled to cope with the waterlogged fields. We hope it didn't spoil people’s enjoyment of the day and that visitors will join us once again in 2017”.

The feedback from those attended the event was full of praise of both the event and the magnificent work that charity carries out.

Visitor John Jacka said “was a fantastic event once again. The Blood Bike and track Marshals were outstanding and couldn't do enough to help in the soggy off Tarmac conditions. Thank you one and all who were involved in putting this event on”.

The event was supported by the Mayor of The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Sebastian Field, The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Charles Nicholls and The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Duncan Smith.

Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Sebastian Field said “I am delighted to be here today to support the work of the Blood Bikers. The bikers selflessly give their free time in all winds and weathers to help save lives throughout the country. They provide such an important free service to the NHS moving vital medical supplies, blood, pathology samples and even human breast milk from medical centres and hospitals throughout the UK. I encourage all to support them in all their endeavours and perhaps when one appears in your vicinity, put your hands together and give them the encouragement they deserve.”

Actress Amanda Mealing, better known as the fearsome Connie Beauchamp from BBC1’s Casualty made an appearance having ridden up from Wales on her BMW RNine-T. As a Blood Bike ambassador, Amanda took time out of her busy schedule to support the event. As an avid motorcycle enthusiast, it was evident that she clearly enjoyed the experience.

This year the organisers had secured the most diverse motorcycles yet, from Matt McKeown and the World’s fastest shopping trolley powered by a Chinook helicopter engine (holds a record speed of 70.4mph/ 113.298khm), the Kevin Schwantz’ 1995 Suzuki RGV500 XR85 and Carlos Checa’s MotoGP bike through to Kevin Scott and the 200cc 'Warhorse' officially the World’s Fastest Monowheel which currently holds the Guinness World Record and has a top speed of 65mph.

Also in the Paddock was iconic motorcycle builder and engineering genius Allen Millyard with seven of his projects including the ‘Millyard Viper V10’ an 8.0-litre, 500bhp motorcycle that he built in 2009 using a V10 engine from a Dodge Viper sports car and the home-built ‘Flying Millyard’, a classic 1920s bike featuring a pair of cylinders from a Pratt and Whitney radial aircraft engine, and a 5.0-litre V-Twin, engine designed for an aeroplane.

Prescott Bike Festival prides itself on its diversity – from rare, classic, modern, customised to hand built bikes to those of historic significance. This year featured large displays of historic, modern and race bike, plus a Paddock Specials Show ‘n’ Tell area, and the unique opportunity for members of the public to take part in the spectacle by ‘running the hill’ or participating in a thrilling passenger ride experiences. There was also a whole raft of entertainment too from live music, stunt shows, celebrity appearances, trade stands, motorcycle manufacturers and motorcycle clubs – what’s more it helps raise money and awareness for the Blood Bikes charities to help keep them on the road.

The next Blood Bike event will be held at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in Worcestershire on Sunday 4 September 2016 and is dubbed ‘the end of season’ motorcycle festival.

The Isle of Man Government Department of Economic Development has reached an agreement with leading French based publisher Bigben Interactive to exclusively produce, under global licence, a new motorbike video game dedicated to the TT Races, titled ‘TT Isle Of Man – Ride on the Edge.’

The new TT Isle of Man video game is being developed by Kylotonn Games, a French racing games development studio already known for WRC 5, the 2015 official World Rally Championship video game, acclaimed by the gaming industry and Ping Award winner in the Best Console Game of the Year category.

Bigben Interactive and Kylotonn have already begun a programme to assess, record and digitally map the iconic 37¾ mile TT Mountain Course, which is run entirely on closed public roads. The TT Races is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading motorsport events and has run on the Isle of Man since 1907.

David Cretney MLC, the Department of Economic Development’s political representative for Tourism and Motorsport commented: “The partnership between Bigben Interactive and the Isle of Man Government represents an opportunity not only to generate additional commercial income but also to increase the profile of the TT Races and broaden the event’s appeal to a wider, younger demographic working alongside a world class partner in the gaming world.”

“For several years now, our team has worked together with Kylotonn’s developers to create and offer the best depictions of some of the most spectacular racing events like the Isle of Man TT races or the World Rally Championship.” says Benoît Clerc, Head of Software at Bigben Interactive. “By creating 1/1 the iconic 37¾ miles of the race, we already know that all the motorbike fans will feel the speed and the excitement of being part of the Isle of Man TT races,” concludes Benoît Clerc.

TT Isle Of Man – Ride on the Edge, which will be released in 2017, will feature many of the leading teams and riders who will be recreated digitally to accurately represent their team liveries and bike manufacturers. The game will be available for Playstation®4, Xbox One, and PC.

Big Ben Interactive representative Regis Fontenay with John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson on the Isle of Man at the launch of the 2016 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy

Subaru of America, Inc. is teaming up with Subaru Tecnica International (STI) and UK based motorsport and technology company Prodrive with the ambition of breaking its own TT Mountain Course record during this year’s Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy.

Three-time British Rally Champion Mark Higgins, who has established the two previous TT Mountain Course records driving cars on behalf of Official TT Car Partner Subaru will again tackle the iconic 37¾ mile (60k) course.

Prodrive are well known for running Subaru's World Rally Championship programme from 1990 to 2008, so the partnership will give the effort a significant boost as they look to break the fastest lap time for the third time.

Prodrive has a long established history of giving UK-specification customer cars more power, along with creating a one-off, Subaru-based P2 sports car to showcase their engineering skills and close ties with the Japanese manufacturer.

Subaru will again have the chance to do practice runs before their record attempt, which will take place on a closed road on Friday 10th June during this year’s TT Races meeting.

Manxman Mark Higgins is confident that he can break his own record of 19 minutes and fifteen seconds, which he set in 2014, breaking his own previous best of 19:56.7, which he set in 2011. Mark’s original lap record time was over two minutes inside Tony Pond’s previous best time established 21 years earlier.

Commenting on the lap Mark Higgins said:

“It’s always a great honour to return to the Isle of Man and to have the privilege of driving on a closed road on the TT Course. We’ve already made great strides in demonstrating Subaru’s technical excellence and ability on the TT Course, which is one of the most demanding tracks for a number of different reasons, but in teaming up with Prodrive I believe that we can take things up a notch again.”

David Cretney, Isle of Man Government representative for Tourism and Motorsport commented:

“Subaru are a valued partner for the Isle of Man TT Races and their financial support continues to allow us to invest in the growth and development of the races. It is always a pleasure to welcome Mark Higgins back to the Isle of Man and he is a great ambassador not only for Subaru but for the Island and the TT Races.”