It was time ! Because, in a few hours, the last test of the off-season will be launched before the start of hostilities for the 2019 MotoGP campaign. Two events which will take place in the same place: at Qatar, on the Losail track. Aprilia was the only one of the six manufacturers listed on the grid not to have yet presented themselves. That's done. Last therefore, like these last two classifications in the constructors' championship.
But this year, we swear, the RS-GP will not have the wooden spoon. Investments were made, recruitments validated and the latest version of Noale's opus showed good potential during offseason testing. Although a member of the powerful Piaggio group, Aprilia can be considered the smallest of the six manufacturers in the category. “ It is not an exaggeration to think that we are a “David” facing the giants of world motorcycle racing and this comparison poses no problem to me since, in the end, David triumphed." , said Massimo rivola, new president of Aprilia Racing.
Major changes have been implemented for 2019 with the arrival of Iannone and the new test driver / wild cards Bradley Smith. The appointment of Rivola to the sports management allows Roman Albesian to concentrate on the function of technical director. Precisely, technically, we returned to the sound foundations of the RS-GP version 2017.
« The latter part of last season and the winter tests were fundamental from a technical point of view" , said Albesian. “ The arrival of Andrea and Bradley brought new information to Aleix's fundamental contribution, helping us to define the line of evolution of RS-GP. It is a project which is coming to fruition this season with a general improvement in all its aspects.
“A lot of work has been done. We have made changes to the chassis architecture and electronics management, leaving room for new advancements that will continue throughout the season.
“Reorganizing the racing department and strengthening the testing team were two key factors in preparation over the winter, allowing us to streamline processes and have more accurate data analysis. These are essential aspects of MotoGP these days. »
Aleix Espargaró, who reached the podium with Forward Yamaha in 2014, has scored three sixth places since joining Aprilia in 2017, which corresponds to the brand's best result in the four-stroke era in MotoGP.
But the Spanish champion's season was spoiled by technical problems, forcing him to vegetate between 15th and 17th places. However, after feeling lost for much of last season, I will espargaro said Aprilia got back on track late last year and the 2019 machine was a marked improvement.
« The first tests of this new season have been extremely positive" , said I will espargaro. " I was fast, I felt comfortable on the 2019 RS-GP and I feel like my margin for improvement is good. From a technical and human point of view, I have one of the best teams of my career. We have a lot of work to do, but I can't help but be optimistic. With the arrival of Andrea, Bradley and Massimo we are definitely stronger, so we will have no excuses."
Iannone is a Grand Prix winner with Ducati in 2016 and he was on the podium four times for Suzuki last season. But he missed the final day of testing at Sepang due to a jaw infection.
« We face a big challenge. The duo between Aprilia and an Italian rider always raises certain expectations, so it is useful to channel this into positive pressure" , said Iannone. “ I calmly approached the preparations for 2019. In this sport, teamwork is fundamental.
“We improved with each outing and, to be honest, I was surprised at how quickly the Aprilia guys changed the project according to my requests between Jerez and Sepang. We must continue like this, improving step by step. I have a good feeling. »
Smith, who twice reached a MotoGP podium for Tech3 Yamaha before spending two years as a KTM official, is at the helm of the new Aprilia test team and will make five appearances as a wildcard this season, starting from the first round in Qatar on March 10.
« I have to say the tests were pretty interesting. In my new role as a tester, I tried to be as analytical as possible and was completely available to the team" , said Smith. “ The shakedown in Malaysia went pretty well. I am delighted that Aleix was able to benefit from our work, immediately finding a positive feeling with the new RS-GP.
“My goal is to continue working well with the Aprilia test team and to get closer to the pace of Aleix and Andrea in the races where I will be entered. We have exceptional technical and human potential."
