Aprilia Tech Director tells of fuelling problem
Added on Monday, April 20th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Aprilia Tech Director tells of fuelling problem
Aprilia Technical Director, Gigi Dall’Igna, has admitted that the debutant World Superbike team has been suffering from a fuelling problem during the first three rounds of the championship.
Although Max Biaggi in particular has posted some strong results on the new RSV4 and demonstrated the bikes blistering speed off the mark, Dall’Igna has revealed that the team has been struggling with a long-term fuel feed problem which has stifled the development of the team in the early part of the season.
“We struggled with fuel feed problems which meant that the pre-season tests were a bit complicated,” said Dall’Igna.
“I have to say that we were pretty good at managing the situation because when you’ve got problems in January, with the championship beginning at the start of March, it’s not easy to remain clear-headed and focused. And we’re lacking a bit of experience. For example, when the temperature changes we’re struggling to find the right compromise between tyres and set-up, but we’re working on it.
“I am reasonably happy with the results so far. In all three rounds we have performed well despite some difficult situations like the mistake we made in Valencia Superpole. But what we were interested in was seeing if we could be up with the best right from the start. Before the start of the championship this was a dream, now after three rounds I can say it’s a reality. So far we’ve shown that we have done a good job, now we must make further steps forward”.
Meanwhile, Biaggi’s teammate Shinya Nakano is said to be recovering well after undergoing surgery for a broken shoulder blade.
The Japanese rider was forced to miss the races in Valencia after a Superpole accident but a procedure to insert a metal plate to the affected bone has reportedly been completed without any complications. The former MotoGP rider is now deciding whether to undergo his rehabilitation in Spain or in Japan.
