Wednesday, 20 April 2011 10:00 by Ernesto Emmi

Aprilia breaking the rules? This isn't the first time an accusation of this nature has been made in WSBK, and the most recent incidence came just yesterday; two websites, one French and one English, reported that an irregular fuel pump was found on Max Biaggi's RSV-4 after the Assen races.

Strangely, however, no fine or penalty was given to the Italian team, aside from an order to rectify the situation before the next race, at Monza.  This is relevant because it would have taken just a single protest from a rival team to have a penalty inflicted upon Aprilia.  That nobody would come forward is suspicious, especially considering Suzuki and Ducati's histories o being harsh on the Noale manufacturer.

If we follow the old adage, "where there's smoke, there's fire," then this smoke appears to be rather thin.  To clarify matters further, GPone spoke with Aprilia technical director Gigi Dall'Igna, who promptly dismissed the claim.

"The fuel pump on Max Biaggi's RSV-4 was absolutely legal.  The only difference, compared to the others, were some factor identification numbers.  They are simply related to the date of production, which is different for all the pumps.  Nothing more."

And while some tried to get a little more out of the story, talking about a weight savings of 300 grams (!), a follow-up evaluation of the pump apparently revealed the same output pressure as other Aprilia units.

We remind readers that WSBK rules call for the entire injection system, including the pump, injectors and lines, to be identical to that of the production bikes.  We also point out that the Aprilia's were checked at both Phillip Island and Donington, with no irregularities found.

So what can be done about similar situations in the future, with seemingly unfounded accusations being made, which, again, were ignored by Aprilia's usually strict competitors?  We could only suggest that FIM require publication of the findings any technical inspections performed.