From a press release issued by Alice Aprilia Racing:

TEST VALENCIA/1st day

First day of testing for the Aprilia Racing Team in Valencia. Because of the rain fallen during the night, the test session could start only in the early afternoon when the track got dried and the temperature raised a little bit.

For Shane Byrne it was the first time to ride on this track so, much of the work done was firstly focused on learning the new track and secondly it was a good occasion for riding with the other MotoGP riders.

Today in fact there were in total fourteen riders (official and test riders) on track, In addition to the Aprilia Racing Team there were also Marlboro Ducati Team, the second Ducati team run by D’Antin, Team Honda Pons, Honda Gresini, Pramac Honda and Proton.

“Shakey” Shane Byrne completed with satisfaction almost sixty laps, a good result considering that there was not enough time to test. In fact, in total he rode no more than two hours and a half. He focused on learning the new track and taking the point of references. Lap by lap he improved his lap time and the riding became smoother and smoother; 1:37.60 was his best lap time .

Meanwhile the experienced test rider Marcellino Lucchi ran through development parts of the new bike.

The test is due to continue tomorrow and conclude on Friday.