Aprilia Racing Team's Sylvain Guintoli during Jerez World SBK Testing
Aprilia Racing Team’s Sylvain Guintoli during Jerez World SBK Testing2014 Jerez World Superbike Test, Day 3 ResultsAs expected, rain hampered progress during the final day of private World Superbike testing Wednesday at Jerez Circuit in Spain.
Unlike Monday and Tuesday when the five-participating teams were able to achieve long testing sessions in the dry, the wet conditions caused much down time in the pits. But most of the teams utilized the rainy conditions to complete wet testing.Aprilia Racing Team’s Sylvain Guintoli was the quickest rider Wednesday, the Frenchman posting a 1:42.118 aboard his RSV4. He finished 0.544 of a second ahead of Voltcom Crescent Suzuki’s Alex Lowes, and over a second ahead of Pata Honda World Superbike’s Jonathan Rea.Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team RSV4) says: “For us these three days were important, first and foremost to get back into the saddle after Phillip Island. This has been a very long break and I needed to get some kilometers in with the bike. We also had quite a few details we needed to test, besides new electronics strategies, so these were some pretty intense tests. I’m happy with the refinements. When we get to Aragon we’ll be strong and motivated and that’s what’s important.”Though he took the fourth fastest time, Lowes’ teammate Eugene Laverty suffered a crash during the end of Wednesday’s session. The Brit walked away unhurt.These times were well off the quickest time of the three-day test, which was a 1:40.166 posted Tuesday by Ducati Superbike Team’s Davide Giugliano. The Italian, who finished sixth quickest Wednesday, showed much progress on the Ducati 1199 Panigale R at a circuit that doesn’t cater to V-twins.Following the test, Giugliano feels the Ducati Superbike Team made much progress.Davide Giugliano (Ducati Superbike Team 1199 Panigale R) says: “We’ve carried out many electronic and suspension tests that have allowed me achieve solid results on a track that wasn’t in the best condition as far as grip was concerned.“The key thing is that, aside from the fast time, we’ve had chance to get back on the bike after a month and I’ve immediately regained the trust with my bike. I’m confident because every time I get on the Panigale we make significant progress. The team spirit is also fantastic and my technicians always give me what I need.”The 2014 World Superbike Championship continues next week for round 2 of 14 at Motorland Aragon in Spain April 11-13.2014 Jerez World Superbike Private Testing, Day 3 Results:1. Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team) – 1:42.118 2. Alex Lowes (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki) – 1:42.662 3. Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike) – 1:43.125 4. Eugene Laverty (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki) – 1:43.479 5. Leon Haslam (Pata Honda World Superbike) – 1:44.229 6. Davide Giugliano (Ducati Superbike Team) – 1:44.444 7. Chaz Davies (Ducati Superbike Team) – 1:59.894 8. Marco Melandri (Aprilia Racing Team) – 2:04.204
Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark + Chip Doherty with Neale Bayly
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
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This week, in the first segment Senior Editor Nic de Sena talks to us about the new Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark. This somewhat entry-level machine still comes with all the great Ducati hallmarks of excellent low down torque and impeccable handling. If you like to hear about fun motorcycles, then you’ll enjoy this one.
In the second segment, Editor-at-Large Neale Bayly brings us another of his interviews, this time it’s with Chip Doherty.
Chip’s amazing resume includes motorcycle racer, restorer and collector. Back in the early 2000s he used his engineering background to start motorcycle clothing manufacturer Motophoria.
After selling that company in 2007, Chip’s resume gained him entry to NASA where for 7 years he was responsible for launching the space shuttle! Since moving on from NASA, Chip expanded his collection of classic British bikes. Eventually Neale persuaded him to ride to Peru and help Neale’s Wellspring Foundation raise money for the orphanage there.
So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode!
Neale Bayly’s Wellspring Foundation always appreciates donations. Just $5 will help feed an orphan.