The Arrival Of Aprilia
A brand new sound is filling the air at the Italian Grand Prix - the sound of Aprilia´s revolutionary, long awaited twin-cylinder MXV 450.
Aprilia has finally arrived at World Motocross. The bike looks and sounds different from anything else in the MX1 class. The machine is almost whispering, surely higher-revving, as if the engine offers smooth power delivery without any mid-range bang.
Spaniard Javier Garcia Vico and Italian Thomas Traversini rode 23 laps together in Saturday´s first free practice session, ending 17th and 25th, respectively.
The second free practice saw Vico down in 26th after 11 laps, while Traversini placed three positions higher, completing seven laps.
The riders frequently came in and sometimes got their bikes connected to a notebook, obviously to change the settings of the fuel injection/ignition curve.
The exhaust system has been changed and put closer to the rear shock since the motorcycle was last raced in an Italian championship meeting three weeks ago.
After the 30-minute qualifying session later in the afternoon Vico found himself in 19th and Traversini in 28th spot.
The historical day for Aprilia Racing was closed in the evening with an official team and bike presentation. Aprilia´s management introduced both the Motocross and Supermoto team (in advance of next weekend´s S1/S2 season opener).
Two-time Motocross World Champ Fred Bolley and fellow Frenchman Jerome Giraudo will be campaigning in the S2 category, as Max Manzo will race a 550cc twin in S1.