Max Biaggi will be returning to action in this weekend’s last round of the World Superbike season at Portimao.
The Italian missed the last three crucial rounds due to a freak incident at Nurburgring that fractured his foot, which dropped him out of the title running against Carlos Checa, who lifted the 2011 crown at Magny Cours.
Even if he isn’t completely healed, Biaggi is making the effort to finish the season in style and try to repeat his 2010 double victory at the Portughese track, Carlos Checa permitting.
“I really hoped to get back onto the track quickly,” said the Aprilia Alitalia rider.
“This is the first time in my career that I’ve missed races.
Obviously my condition is not at 100%, but the desire to get onto the track in Portimao is very strong.
The kind messages I received from my fans certainly helped to speed up my recovery! Portimao is a beautiful track, very demanding and spectacular.
Last year I took the first double victory for myself and Aprilia, so we’ll know straight away during the Friday practice sessions what results we can aim for.
I’ve worked as much as possible to recover muscle tone and to prepare as best I can.
”Team mate Leon Camier is also looking to end the season in style, in what will be his last race with the Aprilia factory team, as it is almost 99% certain that Eugene Laverty will be replacing him on the RSV4 next season.
“Last weekend was looking really good for us after finishing 4th and learning a lot in the first race, I was confident a podium wasn’t far away in Race Two.
Unfortunately we were advised to go with a different tyre and it wasn’t the way to go.
I’m really looking for a strong end to the year.
There are some things we’ve been wanting to try but they haven’t made it on to the bike yet, so we’ll do what we can this weekend.
To be lying 6th in the World Championship is something we should definitely be pleased with, but the most important thing is I’m confident I know what we need to do to make the next step.
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