We await with interest Aprilia's performance this year. And for good reason, the Noale firm has completely revised its RS-GP, with, in particular, an engine whose angle is now open to 90°. But it remains in V and that is not about to change. A choice accepted as defended by the technical man Romano Albesiano…
In MotoGP, the four-cylinder is essential, but from there, you can arrange them as you want. At the house of Yamaha like at home Suzuki, we put them online. But at Ducati, as in Honda, we mounted them in a V. This is also the case forAprilia, whose architectural angle is now 90°.
"Aprilia has a history of V engines“, comments the head of technology Roman Albesian at the 'MotoGP RoundTable'. “I think of the RSV Mille and even the off-road machines had V-engines. We are attached to this concept. We never thought of doing anything else. "
“It’s about optimizing the chosen configuration”
In terms of handling and space management, in-line motors are superior to V-shaped motors.”The in-line four-cylinder engine has obvious advantages. In MotoGP history, it has sometimes been said that the inline-four concept is over. "
"Then, a few years later, it was said that the V4 engine was not the right choice. I don't think there is a right or wrong on this issue.", note Albesian.
"This involves optimizing the chosen configuration. We are fully convinced that you can win with a V4 engine. And in fact he is already winning“, explains the Italian. Honda et Ducati are clearly attached to the V4 engine: “we are currently not interested in other engine configurations for the MotoGP project” finishes the Italian.
ALEIX ESPARGARO SPA rAPRILIA RACING TEAM GRESINIrAPRILIArMotoGPr Sepang Test 2020 (Circuit Sepang)r7-9.2.2020rphoto: MICHELIN
