VOL. 52 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 18, 2015 P89
rial. Chaz and Ducati in general
are saying the new rules allow
for a re-leveling of the World
Superbike playing field rather
than the advantage their four-
cylinder rivals say they will have.
Giugliano would have to have a
transformative approach in his
ability to finish races at the same
pace he starts them, but if he
does he should move to race
winner status.
Aprilia may have lost its full
factory team for 2015, not to
mention talents like Marco
Melandri and reigning champion
Guintoli, but as the winter tests
have shown, the full weight of
their backroom technical effort is
still pulling the strings. Runner-
up in 2010, Leon Haslam and
new World Superbike rider Jordi
Torres are the inheritors of the
remarkable recent legacy of the
RSV-4. It should still be a top
bike—despite the new rules—
after lots of winter revamps.
Haslam should be a regular chal-
lenger for top honors. If it goes
well from the very start, anything
could happen.
Crescent Suzuki is still work-
(Above) Could it be the year of the
Ducati? Chaz Davies hopes so.
(Below) Leon Camier brings the
experience of riding a variety of
machines to MV Agusta's effort.
