Aprilia, a brand which nevertheless benefited from an undeniable aura in 125 cc and 250 cc, returned to MotoGP through the back door of the CRT. Income, because the Noale brand had already made an incursion with the “Cube” during the years 2002 to 2004 (see his story here).
Ultimately, we have the impression that the experience acquired in CRT was not of much help, and, ultimately, that we had to start from scratch in 2015 with the RS–GP in the hands of Alvaro Bautista et Stefan Bradl.
The Spanish and German drivers scored 31 and 17 points respectively, increasing to 82 and 63 in 2016.
Last season, the score ofAlex Espargaro, 62 points, does not reflect the progress made, because although Noale's mount experienced some valve recall problems, his driver still took it twice to sixth place, in Qatar and in Aragon.
In 2018, Roman Albesian promises us a completely new motorcycle, even if it will not be a revolution.
Roman Albesian : « We think we have cards to play. Don't expect a revolution, but an evolution, we haven't disrupted anything. But in practice, no part is identical to its 2017 version: engine, cooling system, frame, carbon swingarm, even the aerodynamics have been revised with a view to a more radical change which we are working on. We focused on all aspects, using the ideas we developed in 2017.”
The progress made during last season by the RS-GP was somewhat overshadowed by that of the KTM, which has an incommensurable budget...
“I don’t know our rivals’ budgets, but I’m happy with ours. We have a strong team, excellent technicians and the means to achieve our goals. Then, of course, it makes sense that everyone wants a bigger budget.”
What is the Aprilia missing to compete with the best?
“I would like to have their experience, we are in our third year in MotoGP. I wouldn't take their stuff, because to get to the top you need to learn the hard way. It’s important to have time to progress.”
In 2018, Scott Redding will replace Sam Lowes to support Alex Espargaro who remains the spearhead of Noale's troops.
The 2018 RS-GP will make its first appearance at Sepang on January 24, in the hands of Matthew Baiocco (see here)
Source: Corriere dello Sport
