We thought the relationship between Bradley Smith and Aprilia was over since the Englishman posted a photo of a Yamaha presented as a project close to his heart. But in a recent interview, the pilot assures that this is not the case. Discussions would therefore continue, or rather, Smith is awaiting a position from Aprilia on his fate. A grotesque situation which reassures even less about the management of the RS-GP project by the brand. Who controls what and why in MotoGP at Aprilia, the question is open.
It's when Aprilia began to lift the veil on his new RS GP in tests in Jerez that Bradley Smith remembers the builder. Who, according to him, is still his employer. However, in Spain, it is the pair composed ofAleix Espargaro and Lorenzo Savadori which turned. While the latest news from Smith were attached to the photo of a Yamaha on the social network.
However, in an interview with Bikesportnews.com, the former of Tech3 Yamaha and of KTM wants to convince us that appearances are deceiving. He says thus: “ talks continue. Aprilia must decide what is best for its short and long term plan. And I have to decide what's best for me and my career. I made it very clear that I am a pilot and I want the official handlebars. I'm not yet ready for a life as a test pilot ».
Smith adds: " in an ideal world I would need to be cloned, because if I was a rider and test rider this would be the best scenario for Aprilia. But as we know, this is not possible. So for Aprilia it seems better that I develop the bike and play wild cards… If Savadori was the test rider they wouldn't go anywhere… They know I'm the fastest rider ».
Bradley Smith puts Aprilia against the wall
Following the Englishman, we wonder how things are currently done Bradl at Honda which demonstrates that combining the two functions of test and racing driver is possible. The German made 12 of the 14 Grands Prix in 2020 in place of Marc Marquez injured and he continues to run on an RC213V which he will undoubtedly still pilot at the opening of the 2021 campaign at Qatar… Moreover, it is said to be faster than Savadori as the titular driver, but does not give the Italian the skills to do tests. So what does he propose as a solution to Aprilia, since he doesn't want both missions at the same time?
Bradley Smith take the opportunity to explain the famous cliché of the Yamaha , stamped with this mysterious comment: “ project 109 is completed ". This is actually a team in the ESBK 300 in Spain. Its debut is expected in 2021 or at the latest in 2022, and much will depend on the evolution of the health crisis. The objective is to develop young talents capable of climbing the categories until the World Championship. “ Regarding 'Project 109', this is a constantly evolving project between myself and former GP rider and European Champion Stock600 Corti hence the title 71 + 38. Project 109 is will run in parallel with the race team providing coaching days specifically aimed at the 300 class ».
« We are also looking at how we can provide track time and instruction to drivers on race tracks in Italy... I bought 2 Yamahas from YART to start racing and I hope to implement training programs in Italy in the near future. Not only will we be coaches, but we will also ride with them on the track ". The same project will also be carried out in the United Kingdom. As for the Spanish Superbike championship, it will begin in April. This means if the decision toAprilia is expected…
