The Autodromo International do Algarve at Portimao was the stage for a three-day test performed by the Aprilia Racing Team. The intermittent rain played a key role in the first two days, preventing riders from lapping the Portuguese track in ideal conditions.

Marco Melandri was the only works Aprilia rider who took part in the test, as Sylvain Guintoli is still recuperating from a second right-shoulder injury he underwent recently.

After shaking some rust off following the winter break, Melandri focused on getting ready for the first race of the season. Despite difficult weather conditions, with rain on the first two days and an average of low temperatures, the Italian team was able to take advantage of the session to fine tune the bike that led to the win in the Manufacturers’ standings last year. Over the three days Melandri put in 175 laps with a best time of 1'43.1.

Marco Melandri: "Considering the difficult weather conditions, the first two days were a bit wasted. The last day was a particular day. We made a lot of progress with the electronics but we had a few problems with the chassis set up. The track improved little by little and the settings had trouble coping. Towards the end of the test we began to figure out which direction to go for my riding style, but it's a shame that we lost the last half hour (due to oil on the track - editor's note) where we could have tried to put in a fast lap. I'm disappointed about that but the good thing is that we have a clearer idea now. I hope we can get back onto the track for some more testing before the first round at Phillip Island".