Imola is the scene for the fifth encounter of the 2015 WorldSBK season. Heading to Italy, Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils riders Leon Haslam and Jordi Torres are placed second and fifth in the championship standings, with the former having claimed two podium finishes at the track with BMW in 2012.

“I really can’t wait to get things going again at Imola,” Haslam says. “Even though it’s not an easy track, it is one I always enjoy. The atmosphere of the Italian fans and the history of the track always give me goose bumps. I also know the team has been working hard in the weeks off so it’s exciting to get back on track.”

So far this year, Torres has impressed the team with his quick adaptation to World Superbike. Now he is required to do the same again as he learns Imola.

“Imola is a new track for me,” says Torres, who jogged around the circuit on Wednesday evening. “I have prepared as much as possible with video games and videos, although it isn't easy to figure out the nature of such a complex circuit.

“I'll be riding onto the track with a great desire to do well and to stay close to the best riders, even if not knowing the track makes everything more difficult. We'll keep working on fine-tuning my RSV4 in braking and from an electronics point of view in order to try to push the bike and tyres to the limit.”

Opening World Superbike practice for the Acerbis Italian Round commences at 11:15 local time (GMT +2) on Friday.