Aerodynamics, as a path of development on a motorcycle, was revealed by Ducati and Aprilia took, so to speak, the aspiration of its compatriot to follow its own evolution. Meanwhile, the other competitors who stuck to their certainties missed the boat and have been chasing the Italians ever since to catch up. The effort is such that the Japanese, but also the Austrians, are suggesting that it would be a good idea to reset everything by redoing the regulations. This sounds like an admission of impotence, even incompetence, but as they cloak themselves in a sort of morality by proclaiming themselves guardian of the temple with arguments that the facts, in each Grand Prix, demonstrate bad faith, they give lessons. Romano Albesiano, who is in charge of technical matters at Aprilia, answers them…
First, we're going to put an end to the widespread deception that wings are useless on production motorcycles and, from there, they should be banned on... Prototypes. The manufacturers, and those who relay them, who indulge in this approach are the same ones who are incapable of saying what we really currently find in the technology of a MotoGP on a machine offered in dealerships. We will start by wondering about a European manufacturer which only has twin-cylinders in its range and which runs with a V4 in Grand Prix. But who still has strong ideas about others.
For the rest, we will leave it to a man of the art, certainly interested, since he is in the progressive camp, but whose approach cannot be ignored, and especially since it is generally done much more echo of the detractors, looking like sore losers. On motorcycling, we read thus: “ aerodynamics tends to be demonized it is even considered dangerous but on the contrary it contributes to increase safety on both racing and road motorcycles » is convinced the Italian who develops: “ it would be a serious mistake if we limited the development of aerodynamics. If you talk to the drivers they will tell you that the Mugello straight was a really dangerous point before. With today's aerodynamics, motorcycles are predictable and manageable, which seems important to me. I don't think it's right to go against this development ».
Romano Albesiano Aprilia: “ currently we have 15 drivers capable of winning. Do we want to go back to MotoGP races where the 3rd finishes 20 seconds behind the first? »
So much for the question of security. But what about the notion of overtaking with this increase in tire pressure? Albesian respond : " I think aerodynamics is maybe 1% of the problem assuming it's a problem especially at high temperatures. It has become very critical to follow another rider closely as it affects the front tire pressure. These tires have a very narrow operating window in terms of pressure. If you are behind another driver for a while it is very easy for tire pressure to increase and therefore cause a drop in performance. You find yourself following another rider and you have a front tire that no longer has the performance to attack him. But aerodynamics have nothing to do with it. On the contrary, it can help you limit the increase in tire pressure and temperature. ».
ManAprilia ends with this general consideration which is also essential: “ you always have to understand what the objective is. If this is the show I wonder if motorcycles going slower would increase anything on this point?. In recent years everyone has improved a lot and we all arrived more or less at the same level. It's hard to tell the difference. There are spectacular races even now. I'm not sure removing 50 horsepower would increase the spectacle. Currently we have 15 drivers capable of winning. Do we want to go back to MotoGP races where the 3rd finishes 20 seconds behind the first? Would this be better for the show? I do not think so ».
