Portimao (Portugal), Friday 5 June 2015 – The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team, on track this weekend at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal for the seventh round of the Superbike World Championship, have enjoyed a very positive first day, closing the first two timed practice sessions first (Davide Giugliano) and fourth (Chaz Davies).
In the morning’s first timed practice, which took place in hot and sunny conditions (air temperature 28°C, track 45°C), Giugliano, not yet 100% physically-speaking and also suffering from flu-like symptoms this weekend, nevertheless pushed hard from the outset, immediately moving into first place. Continuing to improve on his lap times, he closed the session in second position, thanks to a best of 1’44.218. Davies worked well with his technicians, making some changes that clearly took his Panigale R in the right direction, allowing the Welshman to conclude with the fourth fastest time (1’44.412).
On an even hotter track (54°C), the Ducati men were able to consolidate the positive results of the morning’s session in the second practice. For this event, Ducati has made some technical updates available to the riders that include a new exhaust system developed and produced by Akrapovic. Initial feedback has proved to be encouraging. Giugliano was able to lower his time by almost a second (1’43.323), to close in final first position, while Davies also improved on his best time set this morning, by seven tenths, to conclude fourth (1’43.776).
Quotes after the day’s sessions:
Davide Giugliano – (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team #34) – 1st (1’43.323)
“We’re working really well and have made some changes that have allowed us to be faster, not only on the flying lap but also with regard to race distance. I’ve tried the new exhaust, and it’s an important help especially in terms of the engine’s power curve, which is now more progressive, cleaner. But we’ve also made some changes that allow me to be more at ease on the bike. I’ve started to enjoy this track today. Despite having the flu and a high temperature, I’m having fun riding my Panigale and this is helping me to be fast.”
Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team #7) – 4th (1’43.776)
“I’m not happy with the front of the bike to be honest and we need to make some steps to improve that tomorrow, possibly trying another tyre. I feel that I have to force too much to turn the bike and then this also compromises corner exit in certain places. I haven’t tried the exhaust yet but I tested other components that have given me certain advantages. Anyway, tomorrow will see us focus on working on the front of the bike, where I hope we’ll see some improvement.”
Weekend schedule (CET -1):
Saturday
09.45 – 10.30 – SBK Timed Practice 3
12.30 – 13.00 – SBK Free Practice
15.00 – 15.15 – Superpole 1
15.25 – 15.40 – Superpole 2
Sunday
8.40 – 8.55 – SBK Warm-up
10.30 – SBK Race 1
13.10 – SBK Race 2
