After the Portimao tests, Aprilia race technicians are trying to find ways of improving the RSV4’s aerodynamics performance and rider comfort, particularly on the straights, so they had their rider Shinya Nakano spend a day in the wind tunnel at the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Perugia, Italy.

“It was a positive and interesting experience” declared Nakano, “and I was impressed by the technicians and the structure of the University of Perugia. We did several tests for my riding position, making some small changes to improve the aerodynamics as much as possible.

“From the data we obtained today the engineers will now work to try and make some modifications throughout the season. I have to say that from an aerodynamic point of view the RSV4 is already really good and it does not need any immediate modifications.

“I really enjoyed today, now I can’t wait to get back on the bike, this time on the track in the next test at Phillip Island on February 16.”

Max Biaggi will get his day in the wind tunnel in order to make adjustments to his set-up on February 10th.

Source | mcn

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While this video is in Italian, it gives you a close-up of the Aprilia RSV4, the new Aprilia superbike that will be used by Max Biaggi and Shinya Nakano in the 2009 SBK series. To say that the guys at Aprilia are excited, is an understatement.

The video includes interviews with Luigi Dall’Igna (research and development, Aprilia), Giampiero Sacchi (sports management), Miguel Galluzzi (style centre), Alberto Cavendon (mechanics), and Moren Barin.

While the guys at Aprilia are modest, they’re confident in the knowledge they’ve built a beautiful bike. We can’t wait to see how Aprilia fares at next year’s Superbike. Bring it on! For technical specs of the RSV4, see our post.

Source | Aprilia News

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After the break, tests and New Year a new World Superbike Championship will start and it will definitely be an exciting Superbike year. With two new manufacturers and many rider changes, 2009 in WSB will not be easily forgotten.

This is what we are expecting of the line up for WSB 2009:

Ducati Xerox: Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio
Yamaha Italia: Ben Spies and Tom Sykes
Ten Kate Honda: Carlos Checa and Ryuichi Kiyonari and Jonathan Rea
Alstare Suzuki: Max Neukirchner and Yukio Kagayama
Paul Bird Kawasaki: Makoto Tamada and Broc Parkes
BMW: Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus
Aprilia: Max Biaggi and Shinya Nakano
Team Sterilgarda Ducati: Shane Byrne and Alessandro Polita
Stiggy Motorsport Honda: Leon Haslam and Roberto Rolfo
Althea Honda: Tommy Hill
Pro Ride Racing Honda: Gregorio Lavilla
Celani Suzuki: Karl Muggeridge
GMT Yamaha: David Checa
YZF Yamaha: Katsuyuki Nakasuga

Continue reading: WSB 2009 teams and riders line up

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Shinya Nakano’s name has come up once again, but this time not in conjunction with Motogp, but with the WSBK series.

Nakano who lost his ride in Team Gresini to Spanish rider Toni Elias, also lost another chance to remain in Motogp when the Martinez-Kawasaki deal fell through due to differences on whom was to ride the 3rd Kawasaki. The Japanese rider who finished 9th in the championship this year, looked like he would end up as a development rider for Honda HRC, but now it seems that he’s been talking with Aprilia. The Italian factory is re-entering the 2009 WSBK series with Max Biaggi as one of their riders and would like another experienced rider to partner Biaggi on Aprilia’s RSV-4.

Other rumours are tipping Gianluca Montiron (JIR Scot MotoGP Team) as becoming Aprilia’s team manager.

Source | GpOne.com

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Just last week in Sepang, the Jorge Martinez deal to lease a Kawasaki ZX-RR for 2009 MotoGP season fell through after lengthy negotiations. The deal mainly failed due to the fact that Martinez and his Spanish sponsors were willing to back only a Spanish rider, while Kawasaki were insisting that that the “Aspar” team take on Shinya Nakano as their rider.

Now according to the Italian website Racergp.com it seems that Kawasaki may apparently field their own third factory bike, with indiscretions seemingly coming from a company that says they have received a further order from Kawasaki to supply additional extra parts. So we may hopefully see Nakano on a Kawasaki next year.

Source | Racergp.com

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Valentino Rossi has gained his ninth win of this season and 150 podium places throughout his career, in winning the MotoGP at Sepang. With temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Valentino started the race at second position. At mid-race distance he was able to pass the Spanish Pedrosa on the brakes into the hairpin and was unchallenged to the chequered flag, crossing the line 4.008 seconds ahead of Pedrosa and Dovizioso.

Valentino Rossi said: “I am so happy with this win today because all of the toughest championships of my career, including with Yamaha in 2004, have been won with nine victories. Of course that doesn’t mean I don’t want to win again next week, but for now I like this number! Today was incredibly hard because it was so hot. Once I got behind Dani I tried to pass many times but he was very fast and very consistent and I had a good battle to get by him.

“Lap-by-lap I understood better where it was possible and eventually I could make my move and go away from him. Everything worked very well today in such conditions, my M1 and my Bridgestone tyres and I want to thank everyone for making me so fast all weekend.”

Continue reading: MotoGP Malaysia: results

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