Aprilia's sporting director spoke with GP One about the difficulties encountered this season by his team, but also about its future.
Roman Albesian is aware that the Aprilia team is experiencing great difficulties this year, but he knows what this is due to and therefore remains optimistic for the future: “In all sports there are ups and downs. During the first two years we progressed well and we expected to improve further this season. Conversely, we have gone back a little, but these things happen. We cannot know when we will win, but we can guarantee that we are doing everything to continue progressing. Our bike has improved compared to last year, but perhaps less than our rivals. There were also insignificant incidents inside the box which spoiled some races. We are working to recreate cohesion in the work group. »
Concerning the strong points and weak points of this machine, he explains: “Our transmission works well, the chassis is good. We will have to strengthen the study of aerodynamics because for the moment there are not enough of us working on it. We also need to make significant progress in on-track management. The development of our engine is continuous and I know it is at a good level but that of some rivals is better. On this point we have innovative solutions in development for the coming years and we are collaborating with important partners. »
The team indeed needs to progress, the results of its two drivers reflecting the difficulties encountered. Aprilia is the last manufacturer in the Championship and has only twenty-seven points. The arrival of Andrea Iannone next year is therefore highly anticipated, and the team has a lot of pressure to present him with a good machine: “We have made a significant investment in our drivers for the next two years and our goal is to be among the protagonists. I am aware that hiring a driver like Iannone intensifies expectations and that we will have to be ready. »
Finally, regarding the creation of a satellite team that would allow it to further its development, Albesiano revealed that things were underway: “There are two types of satellite teams. The first works in partnership with the official team to verify the reliability of the hardware and test updates. The second, on the contrary, must test the developments exactly like the official team. We are working to have a satellite team of the second type. We don't have it yet and we are talking with Redding to offer him a program where there would also be wild cards. »
