THE APRILIA RACING TEAM TAKES ON THE AUTÓDROMO DO ALGARVE. RANKING LEADER SYLVAIN GUINTOLI MAKES HIS DÉBUT ON THE PORTUGUESE CIRCUIT ASTRIDE THE RSV4 AFTER HIS DOUBLE PODIUM IN DONINGTON. EUGENE LAVERTY IS ANXIOUS TO CONFIRM HIS FEELING WITH PORTIMÃO WHERE HE TOOK HIS FIRST VICTORY WITH APRILIA IN 2012. Noale – The excitement of the World Superbike Championship continues, with the Aprilia Racing Team playing a key role. After confirming the dual leadership in the rider and manufacturer standings once again during the Donington weekend, the team from Veneto is now aiming for a solid performance on the Autódromo do Algarve at Portimão, a track where the Aprilia RSV4 has always done well. For ranking leader Sylvain Guintoli, coming from the English double podium, this is a perfect opportunity to tighten his hold on the top position in the rider standings. Eugene Laverty, on the other hand, returns to a track which holds many connections for him: this was the venue of his first test astride the RSV4 in October 2011 as well as the circuit where he then rode the Aprilia 4 cylinder to his first victory last season. Acknowledged by all as one of the most demanding and spectacular circuits on the calendar, the 4,692 metre track is characterised by its continuous variations in slope. Over the last few seasons it has proven to adapt well to the characteristics of the RSV4, which has always come away the winner or finished toward the top. This weekend’s races will certainly confirm the even playing field that has been demonstrated throughout the first part of the championship and both Guintoli and Laverty are looking forward to being in the game. Sylvain Guintoli: “Portimao is a beautiful track and one of my favourites. After being back on the podiums in Donington, I am looking forward to be able to use the strength of the RSV4 factory on a wider and bigger track”. Eugene Laverty: “Portimao is perhaps my favourite circuit on the calendar and so I’m looking forward it. We’ve had a really strong season so far and I’ll be aiming for another victory this weekend. It will be important to finish on the podium in both races as my title rivals are very consistent”.