Redding became the idol of Donington spectators when he won the 125cc British Grand Prix in 3, aged just 2008. He was surrounded on the podium by Mike di Meglio second and Marc Marquez third. He then won three GPs in Moto15, but did not experience the same success in MotoGP with Gresini, Marc VDS, then Pramac. When he learned that Jack Miller was replacing him in 2 at Pramac, he thought his career in MotoGP was over, but luckily for him Aprilia gave him a chance.
In 72 MotoGP races, Redding has only been on the podium twice, in 2015 at Misano and in 2016 at Assen. He also has to his credit the fastest race lap at Assen last year, and as best qualifying third place on the front row at Assen in 2016.
After finishing in the top 10 four times in 2017, he started getting to grips with his new Aprilia. During the Sepang tests, he ranked 23rd at the end of the three days, 1.982 behind Jorge Lorenzo's best time, and 0.887 behind his new teammate Aleix Espargaro. He found himself just behind Franco Morbidelli, Karel Abraham and Xavier Siméon, that is to say two rookies and a Ducati GP16.
“The test in Malaysia was a kind of burn-in, explains Scott. We had just received the new bike and I hadn't ridden the Aprilia since Jerez. At first, when we just put the 2017 setting on the 2018 bike, it didn't work for me. For Aleix it didn't make a big difference, but he has a lot more experience on this bike. »
“We started working, even experimenting, to make me feel comfortable on the bike. At the end of the three days I was happy, we found solutions that we will continue to use and, most importantly, we found the direction for the future. I've been faster every day, closing the gap to the guys in front and I think there's still a lot of room for improvement. »
You are young but you already have a lot of experience in MotoGP, does that help you to develop a new bike like the RS-GP?
“I have good experience, but not with a factory bike. I have a good ability to feel the bike and explain it to the people who are developing the Aprilia RS-GP. This is the first time I've been given the tools to do it, and it motivates me a lot, I really feel in my place. I have a unique driving style compared to many other drivers. I'm bigger, heavier. We'll see what we can do. »
How did the first approach with the team go?
“It was good, I felt good from the first day. I have a good team around me, very supportive and in line with what I need. At Sepang I think we found the right connection, the guys are starting to understand what I like on the bike and what I need to be fast. I feel that all the guys at Aprilia believe in me and that's what I was looking for. I'm really happy to have this opportunity. »
What is your goal for this season?
“Moving forward, developing the Aprilia, working a lot during testing with the new bike. I want to put the Aprilia in the top 6. Last year Aleix showed that this is a result within reach and I think the new bike has even more potential. There are still new parts to come like the new engine… We still have tests to do, after which my priority will be to continue improving the bike race after race, trying to be as competitive as possible. »
Photos © Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
