IodaRacing were a veteran team in the MotoGP paddock, before deciding to make the switch to World Superbike for 2016. Speaking to WorldSBK.com in Laguna Seca ahead of the summer break, Team Principal Giampiero Sacchi gave his thoughts on the season so far and life in WorldSBK – as well as the reasons for the move, and the two riders to whom the team entrust their two Aprilias.

“The atmosphere is very nice,” says Sacchi of the team’s new home in WorldSBK. “It was a challenge, because when this opportunity arrived I started to think about MotoGP and we never could fight for the victory, and it’s difficult after so many years in racing to wake up and to think ‘ok I’m going to the circuit just for the job’ and not have the possibility to fight for the win. Without this it’s difficult to find motivation. I started to think, because I had had contact with Superbike when I was in charge at Aprilia and started this project with the RSV4, and it was an experience but then we were involved in MotoGP too, in 250 and in 125 – so it was a very full season because every Sunday there was some race. When you are involved as a factory team it is quite different to when you are an independent or private team. So I started to think and I thought that there would probably be chance to fight to win -  and that’s what made me decide that yes, we have to go to WorldSBK. Now, more than half way through the Championship, I’m very happy. To have the chance to come here with Aprilia was an even bigger advantage in the decision. I’m very happy with them.”

The season has been a good one so far, with front row starts and top 5 finishes with some good points hauls for both riders – veteran San Marinese rider Alex De Angelis, and rookie Italian Lorenzo Savadori, who won the STK1000 Cup in 2015.

“Alex’s recovery is and was the first victory this season,” says Sacchi of De Angelis, who suffered a potentially life-threatening and career-ending crash at the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi in 2015. “After that experience, trying to explain it is impossible. You can talk about the accident but until these things touch you directly it’s difficult to understand exactly what it is to stay in the hospital, to wait for the doctor to come out the room and say what’s happening…when you get back home and that’s over, you can go back to talking about racing. And I’m so happy and the team is so happy to give Alex the opportunity to come back and race.”

After a more difficult start and further surgery, the veteran GP winner is now back to health and counting on top ten finishes on his way to pushing further up the field. It’s De Angelis’ rookie teammate Savadori who has settled into WorldSBK with less complications, after winning the STK1000 Cup and arriving in full health, the Italian has impressed with front row starts and top 5 finishes.

“The second rider is young…but I think he’s been a nice surprise of the season, no?” smiles Sacchi. “Lorenzo is a nice rookie. I had never seen him race but when we talked about the possibility I said yes, because this is the best combination – the rider with experience and then the rookie. I didn’t expect him to be so fast but after qualifying in Australia I thought “Wow!” I think he’s ready to do something very good.”
There are four Rounds left for Savadori to get even further ahead, and for De Angelis to get back to his GP-winning best. But it has nevertheless been a successful season so far for the team – although as with all competitors, they are looking for more.

“Probably if Alex was in better condition at the start of the season we could hope for more with the results but this is the situation and we’re happy,” affirms the Italian. “But…not happy because we haven’t yet got on the podium and haven’t got a victory! We are here because we want to win.”

With four Rounds remaining in 2016, there is still opportunity to do so, and IodaRacing will be back on track again at Lausitzring in September for the Pirelli German Round - on the road to the season finale in Qatar in October.