Eugene leaves Portimao test with many positives ahead of Phillip Island
Milwaukee Aprilia have completed pre-season testing for the 2018 WorldSBK championship at the Portimao circuit in Portugal.
After 2 days of testing at the Spanish Jerez circuit the previous week, the team relocated to the Portimao circuit for another 2 days of track running before the season commences in February.
Focusing further on parts validation and long run pace, riders Eugene and Lorenzo worked through full schedules to put themselves and their Aprilia RSV4 RF machines in a strong position for the first race at Phillip Island in Australia.
The third year of the team’s participation in the Superbike World Championship, 2018 sees them start in a much stronger position with a solid base setting for the Aprilia to work on and develop for their campaign. With the first official WorldSBK test scheduled for February 19-20 at the Phillip Island circuit, Milwaukee Aprilia will have a final opportunity to hone their riders and bikes before the first race on Saturday 24th at the circuit.
Eugene Laverty #50 – Aprilia RSV4-RF
“The 2 days at Portimao have been tough with the conditions, mainly the wind which we were all fighting with. The important thing for us was improving our weak areas such as rear grip, and we did that today so there is a good positive to be taken from that.
Portimao is such a different track to Jerez, so the bike that we arrived in Portugal with didn’t work so well initially. We had to make some big changes during this test but the rear grip was still an issue. That area is definitely better after this test, and some of the difficulties we’ve had here are unique to the Portimao track.
We’re in a stronger position heading to Phillip Island this year for sure, and with two days of testing before the weekend begins we want to make sure we have a solid bike to work with.”