OK, so the Italians always do things a bit differently, but this Aprilia ad, with more than just a hint of a sideswipe at competitors, Ducati, shows that the gloves are off in Italy.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5GAhn8Raxg&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
And, on the subject of doing things differently, this Aprilia ad (which could possibly be labelled NSFW) shows just HOW differently they DO do it.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub2LXSBv3qY&NR=1[/youtube]
Sorry, but I have to say it, the second ad clearly shows that the gloves ARE off!
On a more serious note, Kawasaki head to Malaysia for a private WSBK test session soon and the personnel roster being taken with them shows just how serious they are about 2011.
At least 9 riders are slated to be there to test the 2011 ZX10-R. Tom Sykes, Joan Lascorz and Chris Vermeulen, the official Kawasaki SBK riders will be there. The team is taking along BSB regular Stuart Easton in case Vermeulen is still not fit enough, as well as test rider Katsuaki Fujiwara and Team Pedercini’s newly signed Roberto Rolfo.
Pedercini will also be taking to Malaysia all three of their Superstock riders, Marco Bussolotti, Leandro Mercado and the 2010 Australian Superbike champion, Bryan Starling who was suggested to the Italian team by Troy Bayliss.
Pedercini, assured of full factory support from Kawasaki next year, have confirmed a 2-bike team and are considering Gabor Talmacsi, Lukas Pesek and Australia’s proven, “man for all seasons” Andrew Pitt (although Pitt is said to be asking too much money).
Of the 3, Pitt is the obvious front-runner, leaving aside money concerns (yes, I know you CAN’T, but you know what I mean) Talmacsi was less than impressive on a MotoGp bike and Pesek is a small bike rider who crashes far too often on anything bigger than a 125.
Team Green looks set to rock.