Among the four manufacturers who chose to come back for three days of testing at Misano, Aprilia was undoubtedly the most impatient to get back on the track. Because its latest opus RS-GP is completely revised and corrected compared to previous versions. It is therefore even newer than at KTM and major technical decisions must be made before June 29, the final date when any technical developments will have to be stopped until 2022. Massimo Rivola, the boss of the Noale troops makes a first assessment, and it is encouraging.
Four manufacturers have taken up residence in Misano where, for three days, they will not only fine-tune their motorcycles in preparation for the expected start of the season at Jerez in three weeks, but also to train their staff to the new sanitary protocol which will give rhythm to life in the paddock in this world punctuated by the Coronavirus.
Massimo rivola. Aprilia thus drew the conclusions of the first day which saw Pol Espargaro be the fastest on his KTM. “ Since the end of May, we have had the opportunity to return to work, and we did so at full speed, to make up for lost time » begins the sports director on GP One. " We have worked on many aspects: we tried something new in terms of chassis, and in the coming days we will try other new things ».
The engine has been approved
And the new engine? “ We've decided which one to approve, we can think about the rest. I think it's early to say that it's a completely different Aprilia as a bike, but you can say that it's like an environment and like a fresh air that you breathe. There is enthusiasm and a desire to emerge, to grow without haste ».
« We are moderately satisfied with the day, to which I give a 6.5, both for the good number of laps completed and for the almost total absence of problems, given that the bike is almost new. Bradley Smith was able to count on greater confidence the bike having also ridden two weeks ago, while for Aleix Espargarò, the day was the first real return to the handlebars. We are also satisfied with the work done by Lorenzo Savadori with the RSV4 1100 ". Testing will continue this Wednesday and until Thursday.
