WORLD SUPERBIKE TAKES ON AN HISTORIC MOTORCYCLING CIRCUIT.

THE APRILIA RIDERS ARE READY FOR ASSEN: MARCO MELANDRI IS EAGER TO CONFIRM HIS PERFORMANCE ON THE TRACK AT ARAGON, SYLVAIN GUINTOLI IS LOOKING FOR BIG POINTS ON THE CIRCUIT WHERE HE FOUND HIS FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PODIUM.

Noale – The World Championship for factory derivative bikes will take on the TT Circuit at Assen this weekend, an historic track that hosts the third round of WSBK 2014. The setting of epic battles as well as a Mecca for thousands of fans who flock to the track throughout the weekend, the University of motorcycling has always provided a great show with races that have often come down to the wire under the chequered flag. There is also another unknown factor, the weather, which seems destined to play a key role again this year.

For the Aprilia Racing riders the third round of the season represents an important crossroads. After the excellent start in Australia with a win and two podiums, Aragon was the scene of some ups and downs which had some positive aspects in the second race where Melandri battled for victory down to the last turn: Assen will therefore be fundamental in confirming the competitiveness of Melandri and Guintoli.

At Aragon Marco Melandri, in his first year astride the RSV4, showed that he has the grit and tenacity he needs to ride to the top step of the podium. On a technical and flowing track like the Dutch one the Italian rider’s experience could well make the difference.

Marco Melandri: “Assen is a unique track and coming here after a round like Aragon really motivates me and makes me want to get even better. I hope the weather isn’t too unpredictable and I hope to qualify well because overtaking at Assen is not a simple matter. In any case my Aprilia RSV4 will be up to the task and I can’t wait to get back on the track”.

For Sylvain Guintoli Assen is a special track where he took his first championship podium (in the 250 class with Aprilia) in 2003. After his placings in Aragon, which keep him on the respectable end of the standings but which did not satisfy the French rider, a podium finish will be Sylvain’s minimum objective at Assen.

Sylvain Guintoli: “We had a tough time in Aragon but it’s in those moments that you fight and learn to get better. The next track is a special place for me. I had my first world stage podium in 250 with Aprilia back in 2003 and my first WSBK victory two years ago. I’m looking forward to racing in Assen, a great track that produces great racing”.