THE FIRST EUROPEAN ROUND OF THE 2012 WSBK SEASON WILL BE HELD AT IMOLA. AFTER THE AUSTRALIAN VICTORY MAX BIAGGI LEADS IN THE RANKINGS BUT HE DOES NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE DIFFICULTIES IN A CHAMPIONSHIP THAT IS ONLY AT THE START. EUGENE LAVERTY’S CONDITION IMPROVES AND HE WILL BE AIMING FOR REDEMPTION AFTER MISFORTUNE AT PHILLIP ISLAND. Imola, 28 March 2012 The three colours of the Italian flag fly over World Superbike, with the first Italian round being held at Imola this year. A warm welcome is expected from the fans, since this year has all the makings for a decidedly exciting championship, a fact that was reconfirmed by the close times seen during the recent testing in Aragon. The first race weekend at Phillip Island, which saw Max Biaggi take a first and second place after two colossal performances, gave the Aprilia Racing Team confidence. The five time world champion demonstrated that he is in good shape and has a perfect feeling with his RSV4, well supported by a team that has quickly metabolised the pace and commitment that World Superbike demands. We have a long road ahead of us, Max confirms: “We can’t let ourselves be deceived by what we demonstrated at Phillip Island. Every race makes its own history. Imola isn’t our favourite track. We’ll see how much the resurfacing does to change things. I’m in perfect shape and so is the team: if there is battle to be done we will certainly not be retreating. The two days of testing at Aragon confirmed the progress our rivals have made. This is shaping up to be a championship with quite a few contenders for the title. We aren’t frightened by the challenge, to the contrary, it’s what we need to keep us vigilant and 100% committed race after race. A lot of our fans will be at Imola and that is just more motivation to do well”. Eugene Laverty’s situation in the garage is different. After excellent results in the pre-season tests, an injury to his hand kept the Northern Irish rider from showing his true potential at Phillip Island. Eugene’s physical conditions are improving constantly and his goal for the Imola races is to get on the podium. “Imola is the most physically demanding circuit on the calendar,” admits Eugene, “so I’m pleased that I’m nearly back to full fitness. I’ve twice finished on the podium at Imola in the World Supersport Championship but it’s one of the few circuits where I haven’t won at so I’d love to challenge for the victory this time around. It’s a long season though so the most important thing for me at this stage is to build up some momentum after such a tough start to the season. We enjoyed a two day test at Aragon recently where I had the chance to get more comfortable on the Aprilia so hopefully that will be evident at Imola”.