Althea Ducati Valencia WSBK Test
Team Althea Racing has just concluded its first winter tests at the ‘Ricardo Tormo’ Circuit of Valencia. A positive debut for Genesio Bevilacqua’s Team , that will compete in 2015 with four bikes: two in the Superbike series, with riders Matteo Baiocco and Nicolas Terol, and two in Superstock 1000 with Raffaele De Rosa and Luca Salvadori. During these two days of tests at Valencia riders rode the Ducati 1199 Panigale R EVO, before they take to Jerez de la Frontera on 24 November with the new Panigale R in its 2015 configuration, to carry out further tests.
The four riders made a solid start, immediately finding the right feeling with the Team, and were able to test the bike in dry conditions, although affected at times by fairly strong winds. After day one, which riders used primarily to gain confidence with the bike and the track, today they picked up the pace and were all able to record some interesting times. The two Superbike riders lapped in 1’35.00 with the EVO. So some very positive indications that auger well. Both Nico and Matteo have a great approach to the Superbike, also thanks to their wealth of experience. A positive result overall.
Nico Terol: “During these two days I’ve got to know the team and immediately feel part of a family. This is very important for me because we all need to work together to achieve the same goal. I came here with the strong desire to do well, and my approach with the bike has been very good. I immediately felt at ease, I really like the Panigale and lap after lap I was able to improve. I’m pleased because there was solid progression and especially today we had good pace. I’m getting on well with the team and there is great communication between us.”
Matteo Baiocco: “I’ve only ridden the EVO once this year so I had to get back into the swing of things here. It’s been four years since I was last at Valencia so I also needed to get to grips with that. The team is new to me but we’ve been getting on very well. We’ve completed important work here without focusing on times but taking things step by step without rushing. I’m pleased with these two days in which I’ve been quite fast. Now we’ll go to Jerez to test the bike in its 2015 configuration and where we’ll have lots to work on.”
Raffaele De Rosa: Superstock 1000 – “I’m very pleased to have finally started my 2015 season. These two days have been useful both in terms of building confidence with the time and, more importantly, building confident with the Panigale. I’m happy because I was able to taste something of the Superbike, having used the bike in its EVO configuration and, having got to grips with it and made some good laps, I’m feeling very positive about my work. I’m getting on with the team and am sure we’ll be able to work very well together.”
Luca Salvadori: Superstock 1000 – “I’m very happy. My first experience of riding a Superbike EVO has gone really well. I thought I’d struggle the first time I rode the Panigale, but instead I’m satisfied with my times even though, especially at the start, I was a little cautious, particularly while braking. Now we have a lot of work to do to improve my pace and I can’t wait to go to Jerez next week to test the new bike. I’ve got on well with the team here, everyone’s very approachable and we’ll do a great job together.”
Genesio Bevilacqua: “These two days have been very intense and fruitful as far as the riders’ approach to the bike and our technical package is concerned. Here we have used the 1199 Panigale R EVO but at the next tests we’ll be riding the new Panigale R in its 2015 configuration. Testing here has been particularly useful in terms of building confidence with the bike and with the team. I’ve feeling very positive, and am pleased with how these tests have gone. We will need to work intensely because there is still much to do but I’m feeling confident. Now we look forward to testing at Jerez next week, where we will work with Nico and Matteo to prepare for Superbike, and with Raffaele and Luca on the Superstock side.”
