Max Biaggi Returns to World SBK – At Misano, Anyway
Two-time World Superbike Champion Max Biaggi will make his return to track during this weekend’s SBK round at the Marco Simoncelli Circuit at Misano.
Biaggi’s mission at Misano is two-fold as competitor and tester. The Italian, who turns 44 on June 26, is set to ride as a wildcard for the Aprilia Racing Team, and also will report back on the progress of the newest V4 powerplant in the RSV4 RF – a bike Ultimate MotorCycling rode at Misano.
Biaggi, also a four-time 250cc GP Champion, earned the 2010 and 2012 WSBK titles for Aprilia, and became the first – and still the only – Italian to earn a World SBK title. Biaggi retired following the 2012 World SBK season to spend more time with his family. But he never truly called it quits; he also assists the Aprilia Test Team as they revamp the RSV4 RF, which is currently used by Aprilia Racing’s Leon Haslam and Jordi Torres.
Biaggi’s goal this weekend is to have fun – but also earn a podium.
“I’m getting back on the track!,” Max Biaggi said. “It is truly very exciting for me to return to racing, to taste the adrenaline of competition again, especially on a circuit as special to me as Misano. In my work as a tester I’m helping Aprilia develop the new RSV4 RF, working very well with the guys that I know well and who by now understand me at first glance.
“The wild card is a ‘cherry on the top’ so to speak, a chance where I definitely plan on giving my all. I am also well aware of the difficulties. Our rivals are in grand form and for me it won’t be easy at all. The goal is first and foremost to have fun, not to predict any results, but to give 100% to bring a smile to the face of Aprilia, the fans and all enthusiasts. Sunday after Race 2 we’ll draw our conclusions.”
Aprilia Racing Manager Romano Albesiano also commented: “At this point we can’t wait to have him on the track” said Albesiano. “Of the many riders who have won with us, Max Biaggi is the most victorious in Aprilia history with his four titles in 250 and the fantastic World SBK double win.
“Seeing him race on ‘his’ RSV4 will be very exciting, both for us and for all motorcycling fans. We are also curious to see how practice and then the two races will go. Max now has a bike which has been adapted to the new rules but one which has also reconfirmed its competitiveness this year and that Max knows well because of his invaluable work as a tester. We are going to Misano motivated to do well with all our riders and to make this round a festive moment for the return of a great champion.”