News

Aprilia is set to compete in WorldSBK together with Shaun Muir Racing and two Aprilia RSV4 bikes in a two year contract for the 2017 & 2018 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championships in Milwaukee Aprilia Racing Team colours.

The agreement specifies that all technical material and related direct assistance including bike development and support will be provided by Aprilia Racing, which classifies Milwaukee as a Supported Factory Team.

"For SMR, collaboration with Aprilia Racing for 2017 and 2018 means a real chance to fight for the win,” said Shaun Muir, SMR Team Principle. “Aprilia has a strong and victorious history in World Superbikes and we are determined to continue on the same path. Having Eugene and Lorenzo on board makes this a dream team. I wish to thank Milwaukee, Gulf and all of the partners who are supporting our project."

This means that Aprilia Racing is confirming its high level presence in the premier competition category of WorldSBK for factory derivative bikes, alongside its important efforts in MotoGP. The goal is to compete at the top level in World Superbikes in order to emphasize the competitiveness of the Aprilia RSV4. Aprilia already has seven World Titles (three Rider and four Manufacturer) between 2010 and 2014, proving to be the most victorious bike in recent World Superbike history, and the plan is to continue this form.

This is the result of a project intended to create a true racing bike that any enthusiast could have. The RSV4 impressed from its rookie season, winning a race in its maiden year and then repeatedly winning Championships in both the Manufacturer and Rider competitions (twice with Max Biaggi and once with Sylvain Guintoli). While the street version - characterised by an exclusive narrow 1.0 litre V4 - continued to win comparative reviews year after year with the best competitors in the world, both European and Japanese.

The team run by SMR, which boasts two British titles, will be able to count on a top shelf rider lineup with the likes of 2015 Superstock Champion Lorenzo Savadori, who quickly drew attention this year in his rookie World Superbike season and Northern Irishman Eugene Laverty who will be back in the WorldSBK paddock.

"In Shaun Muir's team we found a partner who shares our goals and who, after making a good name for themselves in the British championship, wants to get to the top of a world category,” said Romano Albesiano - Aprilia Racing Manager. “Our agreement includes, in addition to providing bikes and materials, support from Aprilia Racing personnel to manage and develop the RSV4, a jewel of technology that will once again be able to show its worth, within a Factory Support type relationship.”

Former 2014 WorldSBK Championship Runner Up Eugene Laverty stated, "I'm excited to return to Superbike with Aprilia, it’s a bike with which I took ten wins and second place overall in the championship. I hope to be able to pick up where I left off with those results. Thanks to the support of Aprilia and a fantastic team like SMR. Everything is in place for us to be competitive straight away."

Lorenzo Savadori’s excitement ahead of his 2017 plans were obvious. "I am very happy to continue my adventure in World Superbike with Aprilia,” said the young Italian. “This is another chance to achieve great results, with one more year of experience on the RSV4 for me. In a demanding rookie season I was already able to express a good performance level, learning a lot, both about race management and working in the garage, but I do not want to stop here. We will definitely be highly motivated at the start, with an ambitious project and a great desire to do well."