Since the winter tests, and without even mentioning the Iannone affair, a sword of Damocles has hung over the Aprilia team: the new engine is certainly powerful, but unreliable.
Noale's men had problems in this area at Sepang, Losail, Misano and during the Jerez test. That is to say everywhere.
The pinnacle was reached on Friday when the propeller rupturedAleix Espargaró led to the falls of
Danilo Petrucci et Alex Marquez.
This was the straw that broke the camel's back, and the competition went to complain to the IRTA.
On its own, the Aprilia team decided to reduce the useful power of its engine, and, according to our information, it also received authorization to modify an engine part for greater reliability. The RS-GP, in this case that of Bradley Smith, was then only allowed to do a single lap run for the occasion before returning to his box for verification…
Qualified 16th after also experiencing clutch problems but 14th on the grid due to absences Cal Crutchlow et Alex Rins, it is in these precarious conditions thatAleix I will espargaro intended to recover during the race.
Unfortunately, during a particularly fiery overtaking attempt under braking on the third lap, the Spaniard saw the front end of his RS-GP escape at the same time as all his hopes.
Aleix Espargaró : " I am deeply sorry for Aprilia, the fans and for myself. I felt good from the start. I was faster than the riders in front of me and, in fact, I was overtaking when I lost the front. Unfortunately, with a full tank it is difficult to push, but my desire to take the RS-GP to a good result was very strong. Luckily, we'll be back on the trail in a few days. To be honest, I would like us to start racing again tomorrow, because I think an important result is within our reach. Next weekend, we will have to get off to a good start on Friday. It is clear that we will have clearer ideas to be able to aim first for a better qualification and then for a solid race. »
Standings for the MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera:
Credit rankings and photo: MotoGP.com
