Aprilia HSBK Racing Is Ready For 2016 MotoAmerica Season

[MotoAmerica]

Photo courtesy of Aprilia

During his time in MotoGP, new Aprilia HSBK Racing recruit Claudio Corti teamed with American Colin Edwards at Forward Racing. Corti has also raced Moto2 and World Superbike.

Following the most successful season in Aprilia's US road-racing history, Aprilia HSBK Racing is preparing for its return to the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship.

The Houston, Texas-based team continues to develop the new RSV4 RF and will focus on winning the 2016 Superstock 1000 title.

While the team had good success last season with Sheridan Morais, the South African's FIM Endurance World Championship schedule conflicted with several MotoAmerica rounds and, ultimately, the two were forced to part ways.

The team has downsized to a one-rider program and brought in Italian Claudio Corti to accelerate progress.

Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Sheridan Morais was a popular addition to the MotoAmerica paddock. Morais joined Aprilia HSBK Racing at Road America and immediately earned two Superstock 1000 podium finishes.

The 28-year-old Corti has a great deal of experience on a variety of machines, having worked his way through the Italian championship, racing 125GP, Supersport, Superstock, and Superbike, and winning the 2005 European Superstock 600 title.

Corti was also second overall three times in FIM Superstock 1000 and contested the 2014 FIM World Superbike title for MV Agusta. He is also credited with 42 Moto2 and 23 MotoGP world championship starts.

Robbie Petersen will serve as Corti's crew chief. The ex-AMA and Formula USA racer has managed competitive road-racing teams both in the US and abroad.

“I’m excited to get the RF back on the track after a long off season," Aprilia HSBK team owner Bobby Shek said. "We had a good run last year, particularly once we had the new bikes, and I’m excited to build on that progress with a very promising rider and our experienced crew.

"We couldn’t do it without the support of all our sponsors, particularly Aprilia Racing. They have been an integral piece of our team’s success both last season and moving forward.”

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