MotoGP Test Valencia, Maverick Viñales (Aprilia/1) takes charge of the development of RS-GP, but what will Aleix Espargaró think?

This is a sentence from Maverick Viñales in the Aprilia box at the end of the first test of the 2024 MotoGP off-season which did not go unnoticed in Valencia. Which ? This one: “ I lead the direction of motorcycle development well ". A mission until then devolved to “captain” Aleix Espargaró at the end of the season full of controversies and injuries. Would the Top Gun have taken his squadron leader's wings from Noale's fleet? In any case, it is he who will have obtained the last best time of this intense year 2023 in Grand Prix…   

In Valencia, Maverick Vinales will have been out of time with his Aprilia, since, although he achieved a stratospheric pole position and the best time in Tuesday's test, he has, in the meantime, spoiled his chances in both races due to a poor choice of tire. The Spaniard has thus not erased the impression that, when the moment of truth arrives, he will slip away. Even if it means taking revenge then against the clock in less crucial moments.

It remains that Tuesday, during the Valencia test, we discovered him as a leader in the RS-GP clan and not only on the track, but also in the stands, giving his directives on the development to be carried out on the other Italian motorcycle in the field MotoGP. " I lead the direction of motorcycle development well » he declared with confidence. “ I had to work a lot. This was quite important because it depends on the route we take in winter. I am very happy to have taken on practically all the work to take Aprilia to 2024 He adds.

Maverick Vinales: “ the carbon chassis is still in its infancy. Needs to think about it more thoroughly »

« I'm really happy with this test, even if the grip was not really good », notes again Casa Particular in Viñales. “ We tried a lot of things to create a better balance between the front tire and the rear tire. There were beautiful things ". An opinion to follow, because it is not limited to indications of what already exists. It also sets a date for the future, notably with this doubt about the carbon chassis…” The carbon chassis is still in its infancy. Needs to think about it more thoroughly ».

« Our motorcycle is only missing one small step. We are not far behind. On many tracks, it's only a tenth of a second » comments the teammateAleix Espargaró which focuses on other aspects of RS-GP to optimize. Starting with this: “ we changed the swingarm and used a different concept. We also adjusted ergonomics and used a different tank and saddle. I've wanted this for a while. We were able to improve the sensations and lap times thanks to this » he reports.

« We have not tried no changes in the areas of engine and chassis » he specifies. “ We wanted to focus on the swingarm for 2024. We also looked at the aerodynamics a bit. I tested other fins with much more support, side wings like the Ducati. We gained a lot of positive impressions from this test ", summary Maverick Vinales who does not forget another imperative: the departure procedure: “ this is our top priority. We have made a lot of progress compared to the departures of previous weekends. This is a good thing ". Then Top Gun concludes with the inevitable impressions of the beginnings of Marc Marquez on Ducati : " I wasn't surprised by his performance, he is on the best bike and he is one of the best riders, if not the best. So, I'm not surprised at all. I already knew it, what I like is that it will make the other Ducati riders nervousx"

MotoGP Test Valencia: times

Credit classification motogp.com