There was a lot going on in the garages of the Italian brands during the official tests in Jerez last month. Although neither have released their complete 2022 machines, they have brought some parts for testing to guide the development of the 2022 models.
New exhausts, new aerodynamic package, a new chassis and some other small developments, let's see what has been tested by the Noale factory.
Aprilia had a new exhaust to try during the official tests which took place in Jerez, but which was very close in shape to the one they already use. Asked about this, Maverick Viñales declared that it did not bring any real evolution compared to the current version.
The exhaust tip is beveled here and the shape of the lower exhaust that exits from underneath the belly pan are different from the current exhaust they used in the 2021 season.
We can clearly see the difference in this photo, where we see the 2021 version. The philosophy is largely the same but there are quite a few differences in the details. The exhaust pipe designer's job is to create a wide enough engine torque zone that the rider, using the gearbox, can keep the engine in that zone most of the time.
Aprilia has also made technical developments regarding its aerodynamic package. In this photo, we see the version used during the 2021 season. But the drivers of the Noale brand also tested two different versions of a smaller aerodynamic package
This is the smallest aero package that Lorenzo Savadori has used for a while now, but what the riders were also testing was another version of this aero that had some small tweaks.
Maverick Vinales told the Aprilia technical teams from his first tests that the current wings are too imposing. These greatly help reduce wheeling, but in fast corners the RS-GP can feel heavy and difficult on the angle change.
Unfortunately, no photos have been leaked. The aerodynamic package was largely the same, but instead of a gradual downward curve, there was a slope on either side of the intake, and then the spoiler was very flat outward.
Another thing Aprilia had was a different chassis to try. From the outside, the differences are not very obvious but at the level of the small hollowed out section just above the engine mounting bracket which is located above the swingarm pivot, this has changed. It is visible on the right of this image, just to the left of the weld on the main frame beam.
Maverick Viñales has been using different chassis for a few races because he felt he needed something a little stiffer.
What is certain is that these tests have guided the engineers of the Noale brand in order to decide on the directions to take for 2022. Indeed, the RS-GP version 2022 will not make its appearance until next February during the official tests in Sepang, and we must expect new technical developments.
Photos: Dorna Sports
