The test which was held on Monday in Jerez following the Spanish Grand Prix was all the more important as only one day of testing will follow it during this 2023 season!
This will take place in Misano on Monday September 11, following the San Marino Grand Prix and the Rimini Riviera. But it will then already be the 12th GP, and the manufacturers, who are authorized to put two aerodynamic packages on track during the season, will probably not wait until this period to start manufacturing new fairings. With this in mind, the tests which have just taken place in Andalusia were clearly oriented towards aerodynamics, even if this was obviously not exclusive.
The most impressive elements were seen at KTM, where we also carried out countless starting tests and made available to everyone the square saddle wing used by Dani Pedrosa during the GP.
In this photo, we can clearly see the vertical part of the side fins which has extended disproportionately. Just imagine the tilted motorcycle brushing the ground and this appendage immediately evokes the front wings of F1 cars and their very consistent downforce. It is likely that this element was designed by Red Bull's technology center (Red Bull Advanced Technologies), but in any case we are exploring a whole new area, which should ultimately bring things as interesting as they are spectacular. !
The RC16 had already impressed us with the work done in the side fins/side air outlets area, but it clearly takes a further step. We will also note a new chassis (black) for Dani Pedrosa.
Alongside the innovations brought by Mattighofen (we will also note the new belly fairing), the other elements tested in Jerez appear much more modest.
At Honda, in addition to the public appearance of the Kalex chassis (already fallen)…
...we try to maximize support in the Downwash ducts/lateral air outlets area by adding small deflectors like those fitted to Johann Zarco's Ducati GP 23.
Joan Mir had two of his usual chassis available in the morning, but then resorted to one of the chassis used by teammate Marc Marquez. He also tried the small aerodynamic update that Stefan Bradl benefited from throughout the race weekend, as well as new downwash ducts.
Honda also installed a new spoiler on the swingarm.
Regarding Johann Zarco, note that he is the only driver Ducati who tried a new aerodynamic element, in this case a belly fairing.
At Yamaha , we reviewed the new KTM-style exhaust, a new frame, a new larger central wing and a new swingarm.
At Aprilia, we focused on the starting tests, after the RS-GP did not shine in this area during the four starts last weekend
