FILIPPO BIANCHI RACE WINNER. PREVIEW OF THE 2024 SINGLE-BRAND CHAMPIONSHIP: SIX ROUNDS IN THE CIV AND SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
9 September 2023 - Edoardo Colombi is the new Aprilia RS660 Trofeo 2023 Champion! The Gradara Corse rider concluded a winning and high-tension ride in the final laps at Imola, last round of the season. The third edition of the Aprilia RS660 Trophy could not have ended in a better way with the fight at the top intense and uncertain right up to the last few meters of the round at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Autodromo in Imola (6-8 October 2023). Edoardo Colombi vs Filippo Bianchi, a clash expected by all and protracted to the end with the latter able to win the race in heroic fashion ahead of his rival, mathematically the new Champion.
Edoardo Colombi, 2023 Champion, Gradara Corse racing team.
Starting from the beginning, Saturday's two qualifying sessions had seen all the drivers battling it out between the curves of one of the most beautiful tracks in the world where the interpretation of every single braking manoeuvre makes the difference. Winning recipe that once again rewarded Edoardo Colombi (Gradara Corse) as the absolute pole man in 1.58.102 recorded in the morning (photos below).
Source of images: www.facebook.com/bkcorse
The front row was also conquered by wild card Rossi Moor (Team MMR Maurer), an American rider present for the occasion and immediately at ease with the bike and the circuit, third time for the surprise of the qualifying session Enej Krsevan (RAM Racing) able to improve in Q2 in the afternoon. Filippo Bianchi (REVO Nuova M2) finished sixth, having only contested the morning session.
From left: Edoardo Colombi graduated as 2023 Champion; 2nd in the last race in Imola circuit, won by Filippo Bianchi (centre), third on the podium was Edoardo Savioli.
Different story or almost so in the race, certainly exciting from the first to the last lap. A regular start at Imola with all the drivers good at not making mistakes including Edoardo Colombi, who immediately took the lead after an excellent clutch cut. Colombi's initial breakaway attempt almost succeeded, as he was careful to preserve his race, until the return of Rossi Moor, the absolute protagonist of the fight for victory (on his debut on the Imola track) and already in the lead by lap four.
Edoardo Colombi, source of images Gradara Corse facebook: www.facebook.com/gradaracorse/?locale=it_IT
A series of risk-free exchanges between the two that at the same time allowed the return of a Filippo Bianchi and Edoardo Savioli (Extreme Racing Service) who started from the second row and author of his best weekend. Exciting fight between the four with Bianchi able to surprise and pass first Moor then Colombi taking the lead on lap seven. The last phase of the race and the last duel between Bianchi and Moor, with the latter fighting until a crash in the last sector with one lap to go, which effectively put an end to his ambitions for the podium. A heartfelt victory for Filippo Bianchi, exhausted at the parc fermé due to the injury to his right foot, which did not stop the number seven.
Image source, results and rankings: livedataciv.perugiatiming.com
With his second place, a veteran and smart race, Gradara Corse driver Edoardo Colombi lifted the Aprilia 2023 Trophy Champion trophy to the sky. Great was the celebration of Colombi and his team in the post-race for the conquest of a victory made up of pole positions, nine podiums in nine races and a lot of constancy from start to finish. Colombi enters the Aprilia Trophy roll of honour after Arcangeli (2021), Toth and Mongiardo (2022).
Filippo Bianchi, source of images: www.facebook.com/filippobianchi7moto3/?locale=it_IT
Third step of the podium for Edoardo Savioli at his first great result of the season after a remarkable growth path, also in his first year in the category. Fourth position for Lorenzo Sommariva (REVO Nuova M2) and third place confirmed in the overall standings, fifth Yari Favero (Tutapista Corse Favero Racing) at the end of a comeback race.
2023 Aprilia RS660 Trophy Top Ten General Final Ranking.
Image source, results and rankings: livedataciv.perugiatiming.com
Edoardo Colombi closes the classification with 186 points ahead of Filippo Bianchi's 166. Third was Lorenzo Sommariva with 134 points, fourth Edoardo Savioli on 98 points, top five for Pablo Echeverry with 88 points. Among the teams, winner's trophy for REVO Nuova M2.
BK Corse would like to thank all its staff, all the teams and riders for a great season, the partners, CIV, Federmoto and of course the big Aprilia Racing family.
Press Release -BK Corse Press Office, Petrolhead Communication.
Photos: Gorini Photos. www.petrolheaditalia.com
BK CORSE: www.bkcorse.com
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PREVIEW TROFEO APRILIA RS660 2024: THE SUCCESS OF THE ONE-MAKE SERIES LAUNCHED IN 2021 IS CONSOLIDATED. THERE WILL BE 6 ROUNDS ON THE 2024 CALENDAR, ALONGSIDE THE CIV AND WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS. From a successful road formula, the Aprilia RS660, which has conquered enthusiasts with its dynamic qualities and is the best-selling sports bike in Europe, the brand from Noale and the FMI have created a single-brand trophy that is carving out more and more space among the training categories. Lots of competition, affordable costs and a machine that allows young riders to grow are the ingredients of a recipe that has turned out to be a winner. So much so that it has attracted not only young Italian talents but also those from Spain, South Africa, Australia, Israel, the UK, Chile, Colombia, the USA, Monaco, Slovenia, Romania and Belgium.
A Trophy that is beginning to have an international flavour then, as confirmed by the inclusion this season of a race alongside the World Superbike round at Misano. Arousing the interest of fans and insiders alike. The 2024 season will continue with the same formula. BK Corse will be a technical partner of the championship, offering teams and riders a high-performance, proven and extremely reliable motorbike. As a comparison, suffice it to say that at Misano the RS660 lapped on Moto3 times, much more specialized and complex machines. There will be six rounds, within the CIV and the Superbike World Championship, with some events on a two-heats format.
(Aprilia Racing press release, September 2023).
