Max Biaggi To Race World Superbike Season Finale In Qatar

The two-time World Superbike champ to have another crack at the series regulars

As was the case in Biaggi's other appearances this season, he will get some test time before the race weekend. Photo courtesy of Aprilia RacingRUDY CAREZZEVOLI PHOTOGRAPHER
It's official - Max Biaggi to race the World Superbike season finale in Qatar for Aprilia. Photo By Costantino Di Domenico
The 44-year-old Roman looks to go down in the record books as the oldest rider to win a World Superbike race. Photo By Costantino Di Domenico
Biaggi has been giving the series regulars a run for their money, highlighted by a podium finish in Sepang. Photo By Costantino Di Domenico

After barely missing the podium in Misano, Italy and taking an unexpected third place in Sepang, Malaysia, Max Biaggi will have another shot at glory during the World Superbike's season finale in Qatar on October 18. The rumor about the "Roman Emperor" riding the Aprilia RSV4 for one last time has been bouncing around the paddock for quite a while, and finally became official.

“For my supporters: it's official, I will race the last round of WSBK in Qatar,” wrote Biaggi on Twitter.

The competitive fire still burns strong in the heart of the 44-year-old. Since Sepang, he tested once again in Misano, together with the factory Honda, Ducati and Aprilia MotoGP teams. His best, unofficial lap time on the RSV4 was a 1:34.8, only eight tenths of a second slower than the RS-GP and less than half a second within his previous best lap on a qualifying tire. Biaggi also took part on the last round of the Italian Supermoto championship, winning both races.

The Italian is tipped to test beforehand at Qatar – which he did ahead of both Misano and Sepang – where he took a sixth place in MotoGP but also a victory and five collective podiums in World Superbike. It will be, however, Biaggi's first outing in a night race. A fitting scenario for an iconic rider such as the Roman, who will try to make history once again and rewrite the record (which he set in 2012, at age 41) as the oldest rider to ever win a World Superbike race. Third time's a charm, as the adage goes. Whether it does hold true for him, it will be clear soon enough.