AS LEADER IN THE RIDER STANDINGS SYLVAIN GUINTOLI TAKES ON A TRACK WHERE HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A KEY PLAYER. EUGENE LAVERTY IS ANXIOUS TO REDEEM HIMSELF AT ASSEN WHERE HE TOOK HIS FIRST PODIUM WITH APRILIA IN 2012. APRILIA, LEADING THE CHAMPIONSHIP, DEFENDS FIRST PLACE IN THE MANUFACTURER STANDINGS. Noale, 23 April 2013 – The Assen University of motorcycling hosts World Superbike for the third round of the championship calendar. The first four races have returned quite a clear verdict: Aprilia is at the top of both standings – manufacturer and rider with Sylvain Guintoli. After absolutely dominating at Phillip Island, Aragon provided entertainment and unexpected turns of events. Guintoli, who had never been fond of the Spanish track, left Alcaniz with two excellent second place finished which moved him ahead to 85 points. On the other hand, hard luck plagued Eugene Laverty’s Sunday, starting off as a favourite to win, but forced to withdraw from both races. Sylvain Guintoli, who has excellent memories of Assen, will take on the Dutch track in the best possible physical and psychological conditions. His feeling with his new team and his RSV4 has by now been reinforced, so much that he was able to come out of a difficult weekend like Aragon with head held high. “We come to Assen leading the championship and with growing confidence. In Aragon, I had to face my demons! Together with my team, we worked hard and manage to get two great results. Assen is a place with many great memories. I had my first world stage podium (with Aprilia!) in 250 back in 2003 and also my first WSBK victory last year. I am excited to race again on this fantastic track and to enjoy once again the RSV4”. Eugene Laverty has more of a considered judgement, looking for redemption here at Assen on a track where in 2012 he rode to his first podium under Aprilia Racing colours. “I’ve put Aragon behind me and I’m thinking only about the remainder of the season. There’s no point in dwelling on it. Assen was the venue of my first podium finish on the Aprilia last year and so I have fond memories of riding the RSV4 around there. I really enjoy the flowing nature of the circuit and it usually makes for close racing. We know that the BMWs and Kawasaki of Tom Sykes will be strong but the Honda duo could be up there too”.