DESPITE THE STOP BAUTISTA AND BRADL COMPLETE THE SCHEDULED WORK ON THE THIRD DAY OF TESTING

Sepang also had the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini riders only taking partial advantage of the eight hours available. This was due to the rain showers in the morning, not hard enough to justify using rain tyres but enough to force Alvaro Bautista and Stefan Bradl to come into the garage.

Back on the track just after 4 in the afternoon, Alvaro and Stefan continued the scheduled tests with their usual professionalism until the red light came on, focusing specifically on developing the new controlled electronics package. At the end of the tests both riders pointed out the progress achieved both in terms of the new tyres and the electronics package, confirming the latter as the area with most room for improvement where efforts need to be concentrated between now and the first race in Qatar.

Over the three days Bautista put in 132 laps with a best time of 2'02,876. 128 laps with a best time of 2'02.372 for Stefan Bradl.

ROMANO ALBESIANO (Aprilia Racing Manager)
"Here at Sepang we worked on two fronts, the new electronics and the Michelin tyres. I'm rather satisfied with the progress the tyres show, especially the front which provides the riders with a good feeling and lets them push with confidence. On the electronics front, on the other hand, we still have a lot of work to do in order to reach a satisfactory base level. We need more time to figure out how to take the best advantage of the settings for all the parameters. Overall we have taken some steps forward and now we have the most difficult challenge ahead - taking the new 2016 bike onto the track."

FAUSTO GRESINI (Team Manager)
“Three very useful days to increase our familiarity with the new aspects of this season, tyres and the new electronics. Being able to finish various assessments was extremely important, especially in terms of the electronics, in order to create a good base setup to transfer to the new prototype. Stefan and Alvaro once again proved to be great professionals. The data collected will allow us to streamline setting up development on the new bike. It will début before long and I would like to thank all the Aprilia engineers and technicians who put in an enormous effort to make a new bike. We can't wait to see it in action.”

ALVARO BAUTISTA
“We did a lot of work over these three days, especially on the electronics. We put in a lot of short sessions to give our technicians a change to analyse a large quantity of small changes, gathering information which will then be analysed at home. There is still a lot to do. For the tyres I'm beginning to learn the characteristics and the feeling has greatly improved. After riding for my entire MotoGP career on a certain type of tyre it took some time to adapt. I can't wait to get to Doha where there will be more days of hard work but with the important motivation of the new bike.”

STEFAN BRADL
“These were some intense tests, spent above all on trying to improve the electronics package. Progress was made although we know that there is still plenty of room for improvement. This was the last test with the 2015 bike, so gathering as much data as possible was fundamental to facilitate the racing department's job. My mind is already on the next tests in Qatar where we'll have a completely new bike on which to apply everything we've learned thus far. By analysing the data and crunching the numbers on what we've tested I think that we'll be able to start from the best possible base electronics settings and then improve on it race after race.”

Prescott Bike Festival will take place once again on Sunday 17th April 2016 at Prescott Hill Climb, near Cheltenham. The Festival prides itself on its diversity and celebrates engineering excellence; from rare, classic, modern, customised to hand built bikes and those of historic significance, this year the organisers have secured the most diverse motorcycles yet, from the World’s fastest shopping trolley powered by a Chinook helicopter engine (holds record speed of 70.4mph/ 113.298kmh), the Carlos Checa's MotoGP bike through to Bob Farmer, winner of the 1966 Lightweight Manx TT with his 1960's Aermacchi (the model he took the win on). 

Unlike a static bike show, Prescott gives you the unique opportunity to get up close to see smell and hear lots of historic, classic and race bikes run the historic hill climb course; “better than Goodwood”, said one excited visitor. There are so many significant motorcycles heading to Prescott this year including the Kevin Schwantz' 1995 Suzuki RGV500 XR85, the last Suzuki GP bike Schwantz ever rode.

Whilst there are just too many entries to mention, here are a few to whet your appetite;

• A 1988 Bimota YB6, 1000cc - One of only 510 YB6’s built by Bimota with the FZR1000 engine. This bike was owned by the President of the Bimota Club in Italy, before being imported to the UK in 2015 by present owner
• A 1989 Yamaha FZR750RR OW01, 750cc. Only 500 of these bikes were built to homologate them for World Superbike entry, most of which went straight onto the race track, with very few remaining in road trim
• A 1997 Honda CBR600 600cc World Supersport race bike formally raced by James Toseland
• The 2002 Vertemati Supermoto 570cc David Jeffries Supermoto factory race bike
• The 2005 Honda Fireblade 1000cc, Ex Ian Hughes TT bike, Southern 100 winner and Macau GP bike
• Plus an incredible collection of KTM SuperMoto bikes, including the British Championship winning machine

For the first time, we welcome riders from British Mini Bikes plus Talan Skeels Piggins, the world’s first paraplegic racer, in between racing his SV650 and skiing for Great Britain, he runs the charity ‘The Bike Experience’ helping soldiers injured in combat to get back on a bike.

Another Prescott debut will be Tom ‘The Atom’ Anable, a Lincolnshire based rider, who has designed, built and engineered several Monowheel machines that has held several records. It’s sure to be a great spectacle, when he completes an extraordinary run of the renowned hill climb course.

Also in the paddock, will be Nuclear Research Engineer and iconic motorcycle builder Allen Millyard who will regularly fire up, and take to the hill on his home-built ‘Flying Millyard’. Despite resembling a classic 1920s sedate two-wheeled Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, this beast has two cylinders from a Pratt and Whitney 1340 radial, and a 5.0-litre V-Twin, engine designed for an aeroplane.

Prescott Bike festival is truly a big celebration of man and machine with large displays of historic, modern and race bikes, 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 experience. There’s also a whole raft of entertainment too from live music, stunt shows, biker celebrity appearances and hundreds of trade stands, motorcycle manufacturers, dealer zone, motorcycle clubs, demo areas - what’s more it helps to raise vital money and awareness for the Blood Bike charities.

There’s so much to see and do:

Ride: You can ride the world famous Prescott Hill and be a Star of the Show, entries are limited and all places for 2016 are now booked but there’s lots of general admission tickets – book now to save 20% off the gate price

See: Get up close and personal with over 100 historic, rare, modern, factory race bikes, one off special builds and more. Lunchtime interviews in the Paddock with the riders and their bikes. Plus Club stands, Motorcycle manufacturers and more.

Do: Take the ride of your life with a thrilling passenger ride experience in a Formula Two or Watsonian Squire Sidecar, a Morgan Three Wheeler, Grinnall Trike or Scorpion – available to purchase on the day (leathers required). The Army Reserve will be attending with a Man SV Recovery Truck and providing Career advice; plus visitors can try their hand on the climbing wall and Airsoft Rifle Range.

Meet: Come and meet our special ‘biker’ celebs including; James Hillier, Lightweight TT (650cc) outright lap record, a member of the exclusive '132 club' and the 3rd fastest man round the TT course; former British Superbike and Isle of Man TT road racer Steve Plater; Skyzone Racing featuring multiple British champion, Chris Hodgson;; son of ‘Mike the Bike’ David Hailwood plus BSB rider Richard Cooper, Charlie Nesbitt and for something a little bit bonkers - Matt McKeown and his World's Fastest jet-powered Shopping Trolley! Plus lots more yet to be announced!

Watch: ‘On The Edge’ motorcycle stunt show - probably the best Trials Stunt Show we’ve ever seen. Plus the welcome return of the George Formby tribute act from the motorcycle film, No Limit? He’ll also take to the hill on his 1920 ‘Shuttleworth Snap’

Buy: Bring lots of cash, with over 100 trade stands and all the motorcycle manufacturers there’s bound to be something you like.

Plus: Live music by 1950s inspired rockabilly band, Josie and the Outlaw plus Chickenbone John and his custom guitars! And great food and drink throughout the day.

Prescott Bike Festival is a ‘Must Do’ day out for all motorcycling enthusiasts. What’s more, all event proceeds of the event go to The Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes and Severn Freewheelers.

Gates Opens at: 08:30am, Track starts at: 10:00am, Festival closes at: 17:00.

Exclusive infield motorcycle parking for Pre-1990 motorcycles: limited numbers, advance booking essential.

Advance general admission tickets cost just £12 and are available online at: www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk

Free parking, free motorcycle side stand puck and free helmet park for bikers. All details of exhibitors and celebrity appearances are available on the website.

Prescott Bike Festival - Sunday 17 April 2016

Prescott Hill Climb, Gotherington, Nr Cheltenham GL52 9RD

The biggest annual fundraiser for the Blood Bike charities

Tyre giant Michelin has unveiled a series of riding experiences at iconic venues across the UK.

Customers buying a set of tyres from Michelin’s track-focussed Power range will be eligible to attend a track day hosted by legendary racer Terry Rymer for just £49. The Michelin Power Days will include 120 minutes of track time, tyre technical workshops and track day tuition from Terry himself. Refreshments are included and riders will also receive a photo and a limited edition T-shirt and mug. Four iconic circuits have been secured by event partner GTC Motorcycle – Knockhill, Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Mallory Park.

James Dimmock, Marketing Manager for Michelin motorcycle tyres in the UK and Ireland, said: “The Power range has been really well received, and we know these days will allow riders to get the most out of their tyres and their time on the track. Having the likes of Terry Rymer on board will be a big pull. He will be able to offer customers some real insights and he is well aware of the role top quality tyres play in staying safe and pushing the boundaries of performance.”

GTC Motorcycle director Matt Sunderland said: “We’re really excited to be co-ordinating the Michelin Power Days. We know riders will have a fantastic time and we’re looking forward to putting on track days that will help them return some blistering lap times.”

Places are limited and they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Eligible customers buying a set of Michelin Power SuperSport Evo, Michelin Power Cup Evo, Michelin Power Slick Evo or Michelin Power Rain in 2016 can apply for the Power Days.

Proof of purchase will be required at the point of booking.

For full terms and conditions visit www.gtc-moto.co.uk/michelinpowerdays

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