Aprilia Press Release: The Aprilia RSV4 RFs competing in World SBK took to the track today for the first practice sessions on the California Laguna Seca circuit. Both of the Aprilia Racing Team - Red Devils riders showed encouraging progress. Leon Haslam, sixth in the combined standings for the two sessions, worked a lot on race pace using only one tire per session. The stated goal is to maintain consistent performance over race distance but without, for the time being, paying too much attention to the individual lap times and from this point of view the English rider has said that he is rather satisfied. Leon, who will celebrate his 200th Superbike start in Race 2, already has very clear ideas on what to test leading up to Superpole, considering that the critical points revolve around the changes in slope that are typical of this particular track. 
Leon Haslam #91: I'm quite pleased. Using just one tire in each session we were still able to make big improvements. I believe this is the right strategy to get ready for the races on Sunday, without looking too closely at the flying lap. Maintaining the pace for the entire length of the race is essential. Despite that we are rather close. We already have some clear ideas on what to test tomorrow. We can definitely be faster on the flying lap but today we worked in the right direction focusing on consistency.” For Jordi Torres the first day at Laguna Seca had to follow a different work plan. In fact, the Spanish rookie will be taking on one of the most exciting and difficult tracks on the calendar for the first time, so he spent the first session racking up the miles with 28 laps, more than anyone else. The seventh best time in the combined standings shows a quick learning curve, favored by Jordi's strong efforts during preparation, and it ensures that he will be able to participate directly in Superpole 2. This is an excellent starting point in view of the races on Sunday. 
Jordi Torres #81: “My first time on this track didn't go badly. With the video games I had gotten an idea, but in person it is definitely something else: the Corkscrew is really strange, with a steep downhill, and it's hard to find the right moment to open the throttle. In any case, it isn't the spot that gives me the most trouble. The first turn, for example, where you come downhill in sixth, is really scary. A mistake here would jeopardize everything. Turn 6 is similar too, with strong compression that puts a lot of load on the bike and makes it hard to hold the line. I think that these two sectors are the ones where I create a gap. I'm still lacking half a second to be able to stay with the leading group. I'm sure that after I've rested and metabolized today's two sessions well I'll be able to ride more easily. The important thing today was also making a good time in view of Superpole. If there is high humidity tomorrow it may be difficult to improve times.” For more information: www.aprilia.it 
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