Source: WorldSBK.

The official press conference ahead of the third round of the 2015 eni FIM Superbike World Championship took place today at MotorLand Aragon in Alcaniz, involving several leading riders from this year’s series.

The first of two events to be held on Spanish soil saw local riders Jordi Torres (Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils) and Nico Terol (Althea Racing Ducati) receiving the loudest applause as they made their way onto the stage, with Torres so excited he chose to jump directly onto it.

“This is my first home race and finally I can speak my own language,” Torres joked. “If there’s a track where I want to finish onto the podium, this is it.”

Both rookies were asked about their adaption to WorldSBK as well as their aspirations for the weekend.

“I’ve always done well on this track in the past and I think it should suit the Ducatis, too” added Terol. “I hope to score some good results here and to get some extra motivation from the Spanish fans.”

Current championship leader Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) was joined by team mate and former World Champion Tom Sykes, both expecting their Ninja ZX-10R to be strong in Aragon as it has been in recent years.

“This weekend should see another strong round for the Kawasaki team,” Rea said. “Last year Tom was strong here and I’m sure it won’t be long until he is at the front again. Leon [Haslam] has been strong, so has Chaz [Davies] but I think there could be many other riders involved in the fight here.”

With the pairing enjoying different successes in the previous two rounds, Rea believes the new track layout is not going to affect his overall chances, while Sykes is clearly determined to close the points gap to the front.

“I’m aware that it hasn’t been the strongest start to the season for me,” Sykes commented, “but we are working hard and I am confident about this weekend.”

Sylvain Guintoli’s physical condition has further improved from the Thai Round, meaning the Frenchman can now fully concentrate on improving the overall package with his Pata Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP.

“We have to play catch-up” said the reigning champion,” Guintoli explained. “My physical condition hasn’t been perfect, though this cannot be an excuse for me not to do my very best here.”

Spain’s Xavi Fores will make a return to WorldSBK as he covers for the injured Davide Giugliano for the next two rounds at Aragon and Assen. He takes the place of Troy Bayliss, who confirmed after the Thailand round that he would not compete for the rest of the season.

Another late change in the line up is Ayrton Badovini to return with immediate effect, as he takes the place of Sylvain Barrier on the BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team. Barrier meanwhile will make a surprise switch back to Superstock 1000 with Yamaha on board a YZF-R1M.

With STK1000, STK600 and EJC classes also beginning their season at Aragon, close racing throughout the weekend is expected. Free Practice for all classes starts tomorrow at 8:45am local time.