Max Biaggi has broken the circuit speed record for a World Superbike after almost touching 327kph during free practice at Monza.
With the RSV-4's strength in a straight line being the envy of many rival teams, Biaggi and team-mate Leon Camier are expected to flourish at Monza courtesy of its high-speed nature and lengthy straights.
Biaggi would go on to prove as much by producing a 326.9kph top speed towards the end of the session, although the Italian would lose time through the bends as he was forced to settle for sixth fastest.
It follows Biaggi's efforts at the Phillip Island season opener when he touched 318.9kph, a record for the Australian circuit.
However, while Biaggi's feat is good enough to stand atop the World Superbike pile, it isn't quicker than the best-ever Superbike speed of 327.3kph recorded at Monza – that was achieved just last week by Fabrizio Pellizzon on another Aprilia RSV-4 during the CIV Superbike event.
Pellizzon and his Gabrielli Racing team-mate Federico Sandi were originally intending to swell the
WSBK ranks this weekend before withdrawing for technical reasons.