ENGINES – The Aprilia 660 Trophy kicks off over the weekend. Among the announced protagonists is the 18-year-old centaur from Lucca, Filippo Bianchi, second in 2023. Good indications obtained from the tests carried out a few days ago at Mugello. The first test of the season takes place on Sunday on the Vallelunga circuit.
It is quite clear and clear that after the excellent second place in 2023, Filippo Bianchi will aim with decision and conviction for the top step of the podium. The 18 year old rider from Lucca is ready to get back into the game in the Aprilia 660 Trophy which last year saw him as a great protagonist, often battling on equal terms with the Milanese Edoardo Colombi who then came out on top. Filippo will try to win the prestigious trophy supported by the Revo/Nuova M2 Racing team which has supported him with an abundance of technique and experience in 2023. The tests carried out a week ago at Mugello and previously in March in that of Vallelunga. And it will be precisely from there that he will take the lead in the 2024 championship in a few hours. We will probably already have a clearer idea of the forces on the field and the contenders for the title by Sunday afternoon. Scrolling through the prestigious calendar, the commitment from 14 to 16 June on the Misano Adriatico circuit named after the unforgettable Marco Simoncelli when the young riders of the Aprilia Trophy will race in conjunction with the stage of the superbike world championship. It will continue on 22 and 23 June at Mugello, again in Misano on 3 and 4 August. Mugello again on August 31st, September 1st and closing with Imola on September 28th and 29th. All stages include two races with the exception of Misano on the occasion of the Superbike and the final event in Imola.
It should be added that in Friday’s free practice with 1’43″200 Filippo Bianchi inflicted heavy gaps on his opponents. Kevin Milani, a 17-year-old from Ripa di Seravezza, teammate of Filippo Bianchi, recorded a good seventh time. Qualifying on Saturday will establish the starting grid for the race scheduled for Sunday at 11.05am.
