Let's talk MotoGP: Here's why you should be wary of Aprilia

As we are about to experience the second Grand Prix of the season, Aprilia is working hard, without being in the spotlight; but you have to be wary of it. Indeed, in Qatar, Noale's firm did quite well even if the result was not up to par. Watch out for them when returning to Europe.

A result that does not reflect reality

 

On Sunday evening, the mechanics looked grim in the boxes occupied by the RS-GP. Whether among officials or among Trackhouse Racing, it was the grimace soup. However, there are already things to learn from this first round, starting with the impressive performance of Aleix Espargaro. This article will focus on him, because as for a long time, he is the clear leader within the team.

He has already surprised in qualifying. We know that Aleix is ​​very strong on a trick, and that this is one of his favorite exercises. But all the same: he started from second position, and recorded very interesting loops which gave the impression that he had great speed. Even though it was only the first Grand Prix of the season, he still beat Pecco Bagnaia for nothing. Then, during the Sprint, he confirmed with sumptuous mastery of pace. Jorge Martin was untouchable during the two sessions, and the reigning world champion had not yet taken the full measure of his Ducati GP24. All right. But this is Aleix Espargaro's first top 3 in Sprint if we exclude his victory in Catalonia last year. In 2023, he proved much more dangerous on Sunday – with two successes – than on Saturday. That alone marks a leap forward.

 

 

During the Grand Prix, Aleix slipped to eighth place, but claims he suffered a tire problem. Not simple degradation like all the other drivers, but a problem similar to the one that hit the “Martinator” last year. This phenomenon is therefore possible, I don't see why he would lie. Without this problem, he would undoubtedly have been able to play up front but we will never have the answer.

This is all in all promising, even if the final result certainly does not suit Aprilia's pundits. Moreover, Maverick Vinales is in much more difficulty with this new package and after only one race, I would not dare bet on him to take the Italian team to a new level in the quest for the world title. He seems (already) beaten, upset by all the changes on his new RS-GP. That said, despite an anecdotal tenth place during the Sunday race, he claims to have regained some sensations.

 

Let time go by

 

Trackhouse Racing's first GP is not far from being a disaster. Between Raul Fernandez trapped on the grid and a very timid Miguel Oliveira, the Americans certainly did not achieve the success they hoped to achieve in Qatar. But here too, there is something positive to be learned from this experience. First, Raul Fernandez qualified brilliantly in Q2, and affirms that his machine has enormous potential – which his 14th place in the Sprint does not underline. The Portuguese still suffers from the comparison, and must already pull himself together. Here he is continuing his poor momentum from the end of 2023, while the latter is riding an RS-GP24, unlike his teammate. But those who have assiduously followed his career know how much he can shine. He only needs one or two opportunities during the year, and he can transform the test until he wins the race. His unfailing mentality will allow him to bounce back, I am sure of it. Claim that it will hang around ad vitam æternam in the twists and turns of the rankings is an insult to his magnificent 12 years of professional career, where he proved, time and time again, that he was capable of turning around the most desperate situations. I keep confidence.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Potential is the key word. And honestly, after a race, I think it's the brand that has the most on the grid MotoGP. If we exclude Aleix Espargaro, the drivers can all create a surprise, even a Maverick Vinales who disappoints year after year. The bike is innovative, Aprilia is working, and in the right direction in view of the progression curve. Casually, this puts them in pole position to recruit a top driver, because who, today, could refuse a call from Rivola? Not many people, and certainly not Fabio Quartararo, for example. This new arrival in the caste of the best only nourishes the potential, which, in turn, increases the level of requirements tenfold. This virtuous circle could well hurt the competition, and there is no doubt that KTM does not see this very favorably.

Do you think Aprilia has changed dimension? Tell me in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport