After its best MotoGP season in its history, Aprilia's competition department is already preparing for 2023.
The spotlight on the MotoGP season has only been off for a few days, but for Aprilia Racing the work has never stopped. It was a great championship season for Noale's team, enriched by the first MotoGP victory, nine podiums and two pole positions which propelled Aprilia to the top of the motorcycle world championship. These were, by far, the best results ever achieved by Aprilia in the premier class, in its brief history, but now the Italian manufacturer has already started to prepare for a 2023 season which promises to be crucial.
Lorenzo Savadori was busy with the test team in Jerez de la Frontera for two days of testing on November 15 and 16. In mixed conditions, the test driver was still able to complete 134 laps, working in particular on new electronic configurations. The data collected has opened up interesting development prospects for 2023.
At the same time, Aleix Espargaró et Maverick Vinales flew to Cologne for a day of wind tunnel testing. Aerodynamic studies have allowed Aprilia to deliver innovative solutions that lead the pack in MotoGP and there is still much in the pipeline for future developments. Aleix Espargaró et Maverick Vinales have worked on the first 2023 prototype, the characteristics of which will be analyzed and refined during the winter break.
Miguel Oliveira et Raul Fernandez also made their debut in the wind tunnel, after a remarkable first contact with the RS-GP in Valencia. For the RNF team riders, it was a session dedicated to an aerodynamic test on the new bike, looking for the best configuration based on physical characteristics and riding position.
But it's not just MotoGP. With the Factory Works program, Aprilia Racing continues the development of sports motorcycles intended for enthusiasts. This is a tailor-made customization operation intended to offer the most advanced enthusiasts the sensations and refinements of a true Aprilia racing motorcycle.
The most recent of Aprilia Racing's special projects, the RSV4 cornering agility typical of Aprilia products. This result was made possible by the extraordinary technical platform of the RSV320, the superbike that revolutionized the segment, winner of seven world titles in WSBK where Aprilia technicians implemented the expertise acquired in MotoGP, introducing brand new and extremely advanced aerodynamics.
Yesterday, partly due to testing limitations and weather conditions, work on the track was put on hold while operations continue in the Racing department where engineers will analyze data collected throughout the season and finalize the choices for 2023. Aleix Espargaró et Maverick Vinales will have the new prototype for the official Sepang tests, which will be held from February 10 to 12.
