The speed of Max Biaggi's Aprilia (3) was the talk of the paddock in Portugal.
The top speed of Max Biaggi’s Alitalia Aprilia RSV4 was one of the major talking points in the WSB paddock today. It wasn’t the only reason the Italian won both races, but it certainly made things easier.
Throughout the two races Biaggi went head-to-head with World Superbike series leader Leon Haslam, but it didn’t matter how good Haslam was over the undulations of the Portimao track as he had no answer for Biaggi down the long front straight.
In the post race press conference, Biaggi was keen to point out that it wasn’t just the speed of his V-Four Aprilia’s motor, it was the way he approached and exited the 120mph right which leads on to the straight. It’s fair to say he had a point, but Haslam looked to be getting out of the corner every bit as good as Biaggi only to get blown away lap after lap. Despite that, it was a quality ride from Haslam who proved that his win and second in Australia was no fluke.
It was also a dramatic day for Yamaha. In Australia they looked a poor relation to their factory rivals – woefully off the pace and left with hefty repair bills following the multiple crashes. But in Portimao it was a different story. For the first time in months they looked like something close to the team that Ben Spies won the title with. Crutchlow was the star performer, pushing for the win before a crash in Race 1 and then securing an impressive third in race two – his first career podium.
Leon Haslam again proved he has the speed to potentially win every time out and is a true title threat.
Toseland had left himself a lot to do after another massive highside in Superpole, which saw him slump to 15th on the grid for the two races. Despite the setback, he claimed seventh and sixth in the two races, which were good results around a track where it is traditionally tricky to pass.
HANNspree Ten Kate man Jonathan Rea arrived in Portugal as one of the favorites, having dominated pre-season testing at the track, but had his confidence shattered in the opening session on Friday when he highsided unexpectedly at 120mph. It took him a long time to return to the pace, but by race day Rea was back to his best. And if he hadn’t of been hit on the way into Turn 1, which left him down in 13th place, he would have been in a position to play for the win. As a result he dug deep and carved his way through the field before heaping pressure on Crutchlow for third. Rea’s plan worked and Crutchlow folded the front handing Rea the final spot on the podium.
After qualifying on pole, Yamaha's Cal Crutchlow had an up-and-down weekend.
In the second race it was clear that Rea was completely up to the job and he took the lead from Biaggi with a hard, no prisoners-type pass into the fast downhill left. Just when it was shaping up to be a great race for the 23 year old, his Ten Kate Honda engine let go, forcing him out of the race.
Carlos Checa rode well once again to secure two impressive fourths, but was unable to show the blistering final lap pace of Australia where he won. Another man to watch is Biaggi’s teammate Leon Camier, who looks to be getting better and better every time he throws his leg over the bike. Despite slow starts, he was often the fastest man on track and looks to be an inspired signing by Aprilia for the future.
The biggest disappointment of the weekend was the usually faultless Xerox Ducati team of Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio. Haga salvaged two eighths from 18th on the grid, while Fabrizio was a flop, scoring two 11th-place finishes.
Valencia takes place in two weeks time. Last year Haga was literally unstoppable, but judging by Portimao he’s not going to have it easy this time around.
