World Superbike
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WSBK: Aprilia Reloads For Post-Biaggi Era
Max Biaggi retired from racing after scoring a second World Superbike crown, but even in his absence the cupboards aren't bare at Aprilia.
Evan Williams  |  Posted November 27, 2012   Gallatin, TN
Aprilia Racing's Sylvain Guintoli (Photo: Aprilia Racing)
Max Biaggi rode into the sunset with a second World Superbike championship for Aprilia earlier this fall; the Roman retired from racing having won four 250GP championships to go along with those WSBK titles.

Biaggi’s late-career surge not only added luster to his impressive two decades in racing -- it boosted Aprilia to two championships in the world’s top production based motorcycle series. Aprilia certainly brought the goods, producing the impressive RSV4 for Biaggi to flog.

Biaggi’s retirement leaves a huge hole at Aprilia. Life without Max begins.

It appears Sylvain Guintoli will ride for the team next year. He tested at Jerez on Monday and was fifth fastest.

Guintoli won three World Superbike races this past season. He began with the Effenbert Liberty team but a contract dispute saw him shift midseason to compete with the Pata Racing team. The 30-year-old Frenchman has shown speed over the years but often found himself on the outside looking in for the good rides.

Guintoli had originally signed to replace John Hopkins with the Fixi Crescent Suzuki squad that he raced for a few years back in British Superbike after signing a contract in France but the team released the Frenchman after he wanted to reconsider the deal.

Aprilia’s decision to add Guintoli came very late in the process. Aprilia boss Gigi Dall'Igna recently said they might simply run a one-rider team in 2013 with Eugene Laverty.

Irishman Laverty will complete a two-year deal with the Aprilia in 2013. Laverty had a rough go of it early in 2012 amidst high expectations but rebounded and won the last race of the year.

While Guintoli and Laverty may not have the notoriety, flamboyance, or the penchant for miracles (and sometime controversy) of Biaggi, the potential is there for both to step up and win more races in 2013. It’s a prime seat.
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