Shinya Nakano concludes two day Aprilia test on the pace

WSB rookie Shinya Nakano ended his two day test at Valencia satisfied after setting an impressive 1m 35.3 best at the Valencia race track in Spain.

Riding the Aprilia RSV4 for the first time, the Japanese rider completed a total of 141 laps over the two days slashing his lap time by over a second. On day one Nakano set a best time of 1m 36.4s after 72 laps and on day two his 1m 35.3s best was set after 69 laps.

The test has proved good preparation for the official Pirelli top teams test in Kylami South Africa in December where Nakano will ride alongside established WSB man Max Biaggi.

Nakano said:

“The aim of the test was to get a good feeling for the bike during my first ride. At the beginning it was difficult because the character of the RSV4 is very different to what I have been used to in MotoGP. After a lot of laps I started to feel comfortable with how the bike was working and we found a good direction to work in.

“There is still a lot to do regarding the electronics and engine braking, but I am satisfied with the job we have done during these two days. The level of the team and technicians is high and I am confident we can work well together in the future.”

250GP World Champion Marco Simoncelli also got a test onboard Aprilia’s new flagship RSV4 Superbike as a reward for his stunning 2008 title winning season.

The Metis Gilera rider completed 37 laps with a best time of 1m36.3s and was impressed with the manoeuvrability and power of the 1000cc V4 four stroke compared to his 250cc V-twin two stroke.

Full time test rider Alex Hoffman was also at the test. The former MotoGP rider is still recovering from the injuries sustained in a Supermoto crash in July but completed 90 laps with a best time of 1m 37.3s.