Photo: Aprilia
Max Biaggi will be back in the saddle of an Aprilia RSV4 and will be riding for Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils in two WSBK rounds. Fans will be able to see Biaggi riding again this very weekend at Misano and in early August in Malaysia at Sepang.
It's been around two and a half years since the six-time world champion decided it was time to hang his racing leathers. In mid-November 2012, Biaggi, who was 41 then, made a hard decision to put an end to his career as a professional racer, and spend some more time with his wife and children.
However, unlike other retired racers, Biaggi was not separated completely from his former factory and team. Even more, he repeatedly answered "yes" when Aprilia asked him to come and test new parts and technologies.
"This return to racing is about enjoying it as much as possible and for that reason so much of the pressure disappears automatically."
Biaggi tells worldsbk that he feels no pressure ahead of the four races he plans to take part in. His return is solely for the sheer pleasure of pitting his skills against those of the rest, including the top World Superbike riders.
He also knows that racing shoulder to shoulder with the leading WSBK pilots is only a dream, but he says he feels prepared to give his utmost best. Unlike during the tests with Aprilia, when he was required to feel the bike and provide feedback on the new components, and not look for the highest speed, the two rounds will be a rather difficult task.
"My reference is Bayliss"
The Emperor adds that Bayliss will be his reference. The Aussie legend was back to WSBK action in Australia and Thailand, and managed to climb to the 9th position in one race. Biaggi says that his goal would be to equal or beat his return performance, but he feel realistic and will not set any limits to his riding, allowing his instinct to guide him.
"I do not set limits, but I’m very realistic. Troy’s best finish was a ninth place, if I remember correctly – not bad on a World Superbike grid. I hope that my results are not far off. Everything will depend on how the weekend evolves and about getting off to a good start. It’s been three years since I have found myself in this situation. I’ve stayed quiet. Now the adrenaline and the pressure are about to be felt again and it might not be as easy to manage it as it was in the past. I have all of the guys from Aprilia with me and they will give me the best possible chances to do well."
Even though things have changed a lot during Biaggi's absence, including the asphalt at Misano, the tires, the wheel size and many more, it will be really cool to see the Emperor riding again.
However, unlike other retired racers, Biaggi was not separated completely from his former factory and team. Even more, he repeatedly answered "yes" when Aprilia asked him to come and test new parts and technologies.
"This return to racing is about enjoying it as much as possible and for that reason so much of the pressure disappears automatically."
Biaggi tells worldsbk that he feels no pressure ahead of the four races he plans to take part in. His return is solely for the sheer pleasure of pitting his skills against those of the rest, including the top World Superbike riders.
He also knows that racing shoulder to shoulder with the leading WSBK pilots is only a dream, but he says he feels prepared to give his utmost best. Unlike during the tests with Aprilia, when he was required to feel the bike and provide feedback on the new components, and not look for the highest speed, the two rounds will be a rather difficult task.
"My reference is Bayliss"
The Emperor adds that Bayliss will be his reference. The Aussie legend was back to WSBK action in Australia and Thailand, and managed to climb to the 9th position in one race. Biaggi says that his goal would be to equal or beat his return performance, but he feel realistic and will not set any limits to his riding, allowing his instinct to guide him.
"I do not set limits, but I’m very realistic. Troy’s best finish was a ninth place, if I remember correctly – not bad on a World Superbike grid. I hope that my results are not far off. Everything will depend on how the weekend evolves and about getting off to a good start. It’s been three years since I have found myself in this situation. I’ve stayed quiet. Now the adrenaline and the pressure are about to be felt again and it might not be as easy to manage it as it was in the past. I have all of the guys from Aprilia with me and they will give me the best possible chances to do well."
Even though things have changed a lot during Biaggi's absence, including the asphalt at Misano, the tires, the wheel size and many more, it will be really cool to see the Emperor riding again.
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