Giugliano 'motivated' by extra pressure

Althea Aprilia's Davide Giugliano says he is thriving on the extra pressure of carrying the team's hopes solely on his shoulders this season.

Giugliano, eighth fastest during the first day of the unofficial World Superbike test at Phillip Island, will carry the Althea Aprilia flag on his own this year.

However, far from being daunted by the challenge, the former FIM Superstock 1000 Cup champion says the role has given him 'great motivation'.

"It's good to have the whole team looking after me," Giugliano told the official World Superbike website.

"And of course that puts some extra pressure, but at the same time it gives me great motivation.

"I always try to stay positive, not only racing-wise but in all aspects of my life.

"2012 was a learning year for me in which I alternated good performances with disappointing ones, and a few too many crashes," he added.

"Now I know how this championship is like so I'm ready to give 100 per cent and looking forward to getting the results from everything I learned last year."

Giugliano was a second behind fellow Aprilia rider Eugene Laverty during testing at Phillip Island on Thursday, lapping in 1m 32.7s.