Biaggi ends 2009 on top at Valencia test

Aprilia Racing’s Max Biaggi stormed to the fastest lap time of the two day test at Valencia with an impressive 1m 33.8 second best set on race tyres. Biaggi was in impressive form throughout the two days, but saved his best until his final lap of the day before returning to the pits, getting changed and leaving the circuit to fly home to Monaco.

Second place went to Leon Haslam who backed up his day one performance by slashing half a second off to set a 1m 34.0s lap. Haslam was disappointed not to have dipped into the 1m 33s, but was satisfied with the test in general having been able to confirm the new components and settings from his Phillip Island test last month.

Cal Crutchlow claimed third but like Haslam was disappointed not to go faster after a Lamba sensor failure robbed him of vital laps when he was on track on his best tyre.

Jonathan Rea had a constructive test completing a massive 190 laps while evaluating new suspension and electronics on his Ten Kate Honda. Due to the demanding testing schedule Rea was never in a position to go for a single fast lap as he ran out of time to get all of the best components on the same bike at the same time.

James Toseland left Valencia satisfied with his progress over the two days in terms of lap time and consistency. The factory Yamaha rider used the test to continue his transition back to a Superbike along with ongoing work on the electronics after two difficult seasons in MotoGP.

New Ten Kate Honda signing, Max Neukirchner continued to make progress, but is yet to show the outright pace prior to his serious injuries in 2009.

Sylvan Guintoli didn’t excel on the single lap time, but showed impressive consistency even on worn tyres to end the test in seventh spot.

Leon Camier survived two crashes this afternoon, but still managed to improve his lap time on the factory Aprilia RSV4. The reigning British Champion ended the test eighth fastest but showed impressive consistency during the course of the final day.

 

1. Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing) 1.33.8
2. Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) 1.34.0
3. Cal Crutchlow (Sterilgarda Yamaha) 1.34.1
4. Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) 1.34.2
5. James Toseland (Sterilgarda Yamaha) 1.34.3
6. Max Neukirchner (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) 1.34.7
7. Sylvan Guintoli (Suzuki Alstare) 1.35.0
8. Leon Camier (Aprilia Racing) 1.35.2.