Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128152
again came some golden years. I regard the involvement of manufacturers as one of the key points in any form of world-class competition, which is why we have always been in such continuous close touch with them in developing World Superbike to its present level of success. We would like to do the same with World Endurance in the future, and our discussions with the MSMA have produced a very positive reaction. Obviously, there are some manufacturers for whom World Endurance has more potential interest than others but there are several who recognize that long-distance racing gives the opportunity to demonstrate a certain type of performance and who plan to support it directly once we have succeeded in building the championship up. What are Octagon's long-term projections for World Endurance then? Do you see it as a stand-alone series, or as a long-distance spin-off from World Superbike? We see it as a stand-alone series, but with extremely interesting synergies to Superbike, working under a common technical umbrella, but with each series retaining its own specific identity - so not one as a spin-off of the other. So, for example, in future years, we plan to develop a Speed Week at Silverstone in May, where we have a World Endurance 200-mile race on the first weekend, a World Superbike round on the follOWing one, and in between many activities including a track day for enthusiasts to ride their own bikes, another one for manufacturers to arrange demo rides on new models, a two-day historic race meeting, off-track activities, and so on. Effectively, you will have nine days of sport activity and track use - and using this as a model, once we have refined it to our satisfaction, we will export the concept to other countries and other circuits. Finally, you referred at the beginning to Octagon's strategy of extending its involvement in World Championship motorcycle sport, of which World Endurance is the next step. Do you have any others planned? What I would tell you today is that Octagon has a very important development strategy for the coming years, which will for sure include the acquisition and control of other forms of two-wheeled sport, as well as four wheels. It's too early to reveal any specifics, but I'm sure that, during 2002, we will be able to talk more about that. CN IF ITALIAN PASSION, PERFORMANCE, AND TECHNOLOGY AREN'T REASON ENOUGH ... HOW ABOUT 751 MORE REASONS? Stop by your local Aprilia dealer today and check out the Aprilia Spring Sale. For a limited time, get $750 OFF any new 2001 Mille, Mille R, Falco or Futura. Or take advantage of 5.99%*APR FINANCING. aprilia RSV Mille R RST Futura SL Falco RSV Mille ·Short term financing available at participating Aprilia dealers. Financing subject to credit approval; not all applicants will qualify. Financing rates and terms will vary and are subject to change without notice. May not be combined with any other offer; void where prohibited; offer may be discontinued or extended without prior notice. US dealers only. cue I e n e _ SO • MAY 1. 2002 53