Aprilia's new GP bike hits the track

The Aprilia RS3 made its official debut in Jerez today at a private session organised by the Italian factory for its MotoGP, 250 and 125 teams. Overnight rain left the track unsuitable for testing until 1pm, although it did wash away much of the dust created by construction work to leave a clean surface when the riders began to lap after lunch. The four stroke MotoGP machine was restricted to just a few cautionary laps at the hands of experienced veteran test rider Marcellino Lucchi, whilst team-mate Regis Laconi completed a 'shakedown' session on the Aprilia Superbike he rode in WSB last season.

Jan Witteveen has no intention of hiding his emotion about his brainchild, the 4-stroke MotoGP: "This is a red-letter day in the history of Aprilia. It's a gigantic step towards a new era, a new technology. We're going to be under intense and exciting pressure over the next few days: this is the first phase, in which we'll be doing all the track tests on the project and we'll be learning how to prepare for the future. It's thrilling to have this project on the circuit at last - but I can't help thinking of all the work that's piling up back "home". Even so, I couldn't think of missing the debut. Sure, we're not here in Jerez just to get the fastest lap time: we're aiming to get the all-round competitiveness we need. From now on we can only go up."

Track tests on the RS Cube went on into the evening with a close-packed programme of sorties and pit-stops to make the necessary adjustments.

Marcellino Lucchi, just off his first ride, gave his initial impressions: "There are two decidedly different aspects: one is emotional, the other technical. It was heart-stirring to put Aprilia's latest creation through its first trials: I'd seen it on the test bench in the Department but today I was able to take it out on its very first laps. No other motorcycle in the last ten years has given me such a kick: there's no doubt you're riding a concentration of advanced technology. My initial impression, however, is that it's easy to ride and that it's got fantastic potential - I'm not up to 100% by any means yet. This is a bike I want to get to grips with and learn how to squeeze the most out of."

Tests will continue tomorrow and the day after. Today's trials took place on a dry track, in spite of yesterday's heavy downpour. The weather looks as though it is going to stay fine for the next few days.