It's a question that Aprilia is often asked: who is in its satellite team? Like Suzuki, the Noale firm is content with its two official machines on the track to develop its motorcycles. A policy abandoned by KTM which hired the services of Tech3 to increase its chances and accelerate the development of its project. But in Noale, we consider that this is still not necessary for its RS-GP. Roman Albesian explain why.
At Aprilia, we don't have a satellite team, but we haven't stood idly by either. We recruited. A sports management manager with Rivola, a new cutting-edge driver with Iannone and a fast and experienced test pilot by the name of Bradley Smith. However, according to the now sole head of technique, Romano Albesiano, the Englishman alone is worth all the allied teams in the world.
« We are delighted to have Bradley with us » commented the Italian on crash.net. " During the three days of shakedown at Sepang, his contribution to the development of the bike was very positive. His way of working and his speed and his feedback were valuable ».
Compliments that bode well for an Englishman who remains ambitious and who will be able to express himself this season: “ the plan is to field it during the tests in Qatar, and to enter it in the Grand Prix at Losail. We have five races scheduled for him this year. Being able to compare his performances with others during a Grand Prix is the best way for him to stay at a high level and maintain great motivation. ».
Albesian continues: " with such a system, I don't think we will need a satellite team in the short term. We have three good drivers, and I prefer quality in the feedback rather than quantity. We will have this quality this year and it will be an important stone in our building ».
During these first three days in Sepang, Andrea Iannone was unable to tour due to a dental infection.
