Sepang (Malaysia), 3 February 2016 - The third and final day of testing with the Aprilia RS-GP machines at THE THE FIRST OF THREE DAYS OF TESTING TODAY FOR BAUTISTA AND BRADL ON THE APRILIA RS-GP MACHINES

Sepang (Malaysia), 1 February 2016 - The 2016 MotoGP season kicked off with the first day of tests, traditionally held at Sepang, with Aprilia committed to their second year in the top motorcycle racing category.

For the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini official riders, Alvaro Bautista and Stefan Bradl, it is also a return to the saddle after the long winter break, so for the first day they were mainly focused on getting back into the groove. From a technical point of view, the area of greatest interest has to do with the new electronics, a unique package that must be developed and matched to the peculiar characteristics of each bike. The team focused their efforts on this front, looking for a basic setup that can then be transferred to the new 2016 Aprilia RS-GP prototype.

On the first of the three days scheduled Alvaro Bautista put in 34 laps and his team mate, Stefan Bradl, put in 39.

ALVARO BAUTISTA
“After two months without a bike this first test is essential for getting back into the groove. We have a lot of work to do, especially in terms of the new electronics package. I'm expecting three intense days where we can take as many steps forward as possible, progress that we'll then be able to use on the new bike.”

STEFAN BRADL
“Here at Sepang we'll use the 2015 RS-GP, but the work schedule is rather tight for us anyway. The feeling with the new electronics and the new tyres must be developed lap by lap. The first tests of the season are always something special. You get back onto the track after a long break but it really only takes a few kilometres to reacquire the right sensations.”

Ace Cafe is joining the British Heart Foundation in its fight for every heartbeat. Wear it. Beat it. this February 5th to help raise £1 million for life saving research

Ace Cafe London will be joining the fight against heart disease by encouraging all to wear red on February 5th at the cafe to help support the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) Wear it. Beat it. campaign to raise £1 million for life saving research.

From 6pm, Bike Night – Streetfighters, everyone who puts a donation into the BHF charity collecting tins on the counter at the cafe will receive a raffle ticket and the chance to win some Ace goodies, with the draw being held at 10pm.

Cardiovascular disease is responsible for around 155,000 UK deaths each year – around one every three minutes. Through the public’s generosity, the BHF will fund half a billion pounds of new research over the next five years which will be central to discovering vital treatments for people living with heart and circulatory conditions.

By signing up to Wear it. Beat it. You can help power these life saving discoveries. Whether you choose to go all out or just wear a splash of red, join the fun across the UK by wearing red and organising an event this February 5th to show your support.

It’s a great way to get friends, family or work colleagues together and help make a difference to millions.

Since 2009 Wear it. Beat it. has raised over £6 million towards new cardiovascular science. Last year, an amazing 23,000 people took part in Wear it. Beat it. The BHF is calling for even more of you to get involved to help us raise £1 million next year!

Fancy a cheery red tea break at work, a yummy red bake sale after school or a jolly red happy hour at home with your friends? Whether you think up your own idea or pinch one of our ready-made ones, it’s the taking part and showing your heart that matters.

Don’t forget to put yourself and your friends in the picture and share your photos on our Wear It. Beat It. photo wall to inspire more people to get involved.

Nicola Reavey, BHF Fundraising Manager for Central, North and West London, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Ace Cafe London for organising and for joining us in the fight for every heartbeat and signing up to Wear it Beat it. “Our life saving research is powered by the enormous generosity of our supporters. Every pound raised will help us change the lives of millions living with heart and circulatory conditions. That’s why we want everyone to join us and wear red this February 5th.”

To find out more or to sign up to Wear it. Beat it. Visit www.bhf.org.uk/red to get your free fundraising pack, full of ready-made ideas to make the most of your event.

For more information about what's on at the Ace, check out the scrolling calendar: www.ace-cafe-london.com

William Dunlop and MSS Colchester Kawasaki enjoyed a successful first outing at Cartagena in Spain this week, as they continue their preparations for the ‘Roads’ and selected National Superstock rounds.

The experienced Northern Irish rider worked through a number of engine, chassis and tyre evaluations on the all new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R over 130 laps at the circuit. Most impressively Dunlop logged his fastest ever time round the track, despite the bike being at the very start of its development cycle and cool track temperatures.

Also present at the test was tyre company Metzeler who support the rider and team in their Roads efforts. Metzeler Racing Manager Jason Griffiths was in attendance bringing tyres and helping to analyse edge grip, feel and durability with the team. As part of MSS’s Team Green technical support, the bike was also tested in standard trim giving valuable data for Team Green and Kawasaki Motors UK.

William will be riding the Superstock Kawasaki at the Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy, North West 200 and the Ulster GP along with Irish National road races. He will also be campaigning in selected National Superstock races at the MCE British Superbike Championship to work on his race pace.

William Dunlop commented:

“It was a really positive test and important to get a good run of track time on what basically started out as a road bike with some suspension on it. I would never have imagined to make my fastest ever laps around Cartagena on such a bike and to do that even with making changes and getting over small issues is a testament to the team.”

He continued:

“Nick and Jeb have so much experience on what makes the bike work that they made the job easy and enjoyable for me. As everyone knows if you’re enjoying riding you go fast. It’s quite funny as that was the first time I’d actually properly met Nick!
It was also great to have the support of Jason and Metzeler out there, it gives me so much confidence having worked the tyres so hard. I’m happy and looking forward to the next test.”

MSS Owner Nick Morgan added:

“I’ll be honest we approached the test not really knowing what to expect as we weren’t looking for an outright fast circuit lap, which is what made the result so satisfying. It exceeded my expectations, we got through so much testing and information while William is so methodical and professional to work with it was a pleasure.”

He continued:

“We managed to maximise the available track time and No Limits were very supportive in that respect and worked on edge grip, throttle connection throughout the whole powerband plus the new ‘fly by wire’ on the 2016 ZX-10R. William had never ridden a ZX-10R so it was acclimatisation but we soon realised that we were into proper testing territory and it was great to see him achieve his fastest ever time round there, perfect!”

SUCCESSFUL FIRST TEST FOR WILLIAM DUNLOP WITH MSS COLCHESTER KAWASAKI - Credit Photography to Pete Wileman 

Haynes International Motor Museum is delighted to announce the appointment of Christopher Haynes as CEO. Following a recruitment process and subsequent approval by the Independent Trustees of the Charitable Trust, Christopher assumed responsibility at the end of 2015. He succeeds Marc Haynes who has stepped down to concentrate on his private motorsport business.

Trustee Neville Sanders commented “It is marvellous that the museum has been able to recruit Christopher to the role of CEO; it provides continuity and strong leadership at this important time. His experience, dedication and proven track record speak for themselves.”

Christopher Haynes commented; “I am obviously delighted to be appointed CEO of the Haynes International Motor Museum. We are experiencing an exciting period of sustained growth for the museum, the like of which has never been seen before and reflects the huge contribution and legacy that Marc Haynes created. We have several projects for the short and medium term that, together with a focus on our core charitable objectives, will help cement our reputation as a leading global motor museum. I would like to thank the Trustees for their vote of confidence in my abilities and I look forward to working with them, the senior management, staff and volunteers.”

Christopher has an unparalleled understanding of the museum; having worked in every department and at all levels of seniority from Apprentice to Director. In 2008 he became a Trustee on the Charitable Trust that runs the museum. It was in this position that Christopher played a significant role as part of the project management team that completed the extensive £6m development of the museum, which opened in 2014.

Mike Penn, Founding Curator and Trustee, commented; “Chris’s heart is intrinsically linked to the museum and the skills and leadership that he demonstrated during the development proved that he is the ideal person to lead the museum”.

Antonio Maeso, the Spanish Road Racer, who had a serious accident at the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races, has announced that he will return to road racing this season.

Following the accident that shattered his right leg, doctors in Liverpool decided not to amputate only because of the character of the young man and spent 12 hours of surgery to rebuild his leg. After a miraculous, arduous and very painful recovery Maeso will return to the roads next May 10th in the International North West 200, one of the best international meetings, that runs in the famous triangle circuit in Northern Ireland.

Last July Maeso received clearance to race following a medical examination at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, but it was not until recently that he decided to return after making a series of track outings that gradually carried him closer to the level he had before suffering the accident. All this has coincided with improved flexibility in his leg following a long journey of hospitals and rehabilitation.

Maeso never gave up despite the many bad moments not only with the injury but concerning personal affairs that made these two and half years the worst of his life as he admits:
"The truth is that it was very difficult and I did not expect it to be that tough all the time. It is true that I gave everything on the island, chasing a dream of many, but always knew exactly where I was going and doing and, in fact, the stones I clipped where on a corner where nobody usually gets close to. Well, that and all the bad things are behind me now. I have a second chance at life and I'm trying to have fun and develop doing what I do best which is racing a motorcycle."

The Almeria rider, who was named Racer of the Year in 2013 in Spain and awarded the Golden Shield in his home City, has launched a project that will see him race a motorcycle in the Lightweight 650 class at international road races starting with the NW200.

At the rider’s, official website (www.maeso.eu) Maeso provides information about the project and offers the possibility of collaborating with him and supporting him in different ways. The site has a sponsorship dossier and also the “your name on the flag” crowd funding activity where anyone can have their name on Maeso’s fairings for a modest contribution to the Team.

Maeso said:
"I felt compelled because, beyond essential support that I need, I want to open the door many fans and friends who have always supported me in this unique cross-Road Racing career to be part of the team and experience the thrill of road racing."

In the same sense of connection, Maeso announced that his social media network will broadcast regular updates of the progress of the project and preparation of the bike, including the usual Facebook and Twitter channels, but also weekly broadcasting lived on Periscope.

In the coming weeks more details about the project, sponsoring agreements and official Team launch presentation dates are planned and the rider will be announce these through the different media channels.

Maeso himself, as the leading and most proficient Spanish Road Racer in recent years, hopes that this news is greeted with enthusiasm by many Road Racing fans around the world who have followed his career to date.

www.maeso.eu