A wind of change was blowing at Aprilia during these tests with the RS-GPs driven by Scott Redding, the new arrival within Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, and Eugene Laverty, replacement for Aleix Espargaró, still suffering from the hand that he was injured in Australia.
Redding had some concerns when he learned at the end of the season that the Ducati he was riding at Pramac would be given to Jack Miller next year. Not having the means to rent a Ducati from Avintia or Aspar, he was already considering the descent into Moto2 like Sam Lowes or Hector Barbera, if not the Superbike like Loris Baz or Yonny Hernandez before him.
Fortunately for the Briton, he was offered the place of second rider at Aprilia, which he greatly appreciated. He is therefore now extremely motivated to achieve great performances in the RS-GP. Tenth overall, 1.092 behind Andrea Iannone on the first day in Jerez, he finally completed these tests 1.115 behind Andrea Dovizioso's new record.
Redding, after his first approach in Valencia, used this last test of the season to explore the possible parameters that the Italian bike offers. In particular, he worked on several elements concerning the next evolution of the RS-GP in terms of geometry and weight distribution.
According to Scott Redding, who are " We made good progress compared to Valencia where I was conditioned by the recently concluded race weekend. I started to adapt my riding style to take advantage of the strengths of RS-GP and the Aprilia guys worked hard.
“There is still a lot to do, we have explored extremely different configurations to know which direction to take for 2018. I am very motivated because I can see that Aprilia trusts my indications and wants to give me a competitive package for the next season. We have the potential to do well.
“I am now preparing for the winter holidays, during which I would like to lose a few kilos. This bike doesn't require a very big physique, so I can afford to lose weight, even if it won't be easy! »
To Eugene Laverty, who are " For me, these were 5 very important days of testing: 2 with the RSV4 Superbike and the last 3 with the RS-GP. It was a great experience, I felt good about MotoGP and I think it has great potential.
“I am very happy with the way we worked with the team. I would like to continue to be part of this project because I know that I have contributed to the development of Aprilia MotoGP. »
According to Aprilia's Competition Director Romano Albesiano, who are "
“Together with Scott, we have continued the process of adaptation to RS-GP, collecting a large amount of data in preparation for 2018. The pace has also been good, despite the fact that there is significant room for improvement .
“We are satisfied with the technical direction we have taken with Redding: his feelings confirm the quality of our measured but effective working method.
“Eugène was a pleasant contact. He played the role of tester to perfection and made a very valuable contribution. Aleix was absent because we wanted to give him time to fully recover from the injury he suffered in Australia.
“His performance in Valencia over the weekend and during testing demonstrates his interest in this project, I look forward to working with him after the winter break. »
According to the team manager Fausto Gresini, « It was an important test to check important parts looking ahead to 2018 and to give Scott the opportunity to get to know the bike. Our goal was not pure performance, but despite this we managed to achieve a good pace.
“The Aprilia guys are working on the new bike and I am sure we will start the new season at an exceptional level.
“Aleix was missing, but we preferred to let him rest and have him in top shape for the start of the next tests. »
Combined results of the Jerez tests in the MotoGP category:
1. Andrea Dovizioso (I), Ducati, 1:37.663 min
2. Cal Crutchlow (GB), Honda, +0.155 sec
3. Jorge Lorenzo (E), Ducati, +0.258
4. Andrea Iannone (I), Suzuki, + 0.367
5. Pol Espargaró (E), KTM, +0.567
6. Alex Rins (E), Suzuki, +0.644
7. Tito Rabat (E), Ducati, +0.725
8. Danilo Petrucci (I), Ducati, +0.944
9 Bradley Smith (GB), KTM, +1.058
10. Scott Redding (GB), Aprilia, +1.115
11. Jack Miller (AUS), Ducati, +1.213
12. Franco Morbidelli (I), Honda, 1.260
13. Takaaki Nakagami (J), Honda, +1.329
14. Eugene Laverty (NIR), Aprilia, +1.823
15. Alex Marquez (E), Honda, +2.119
16. Xavier Simeon (B), Ducati, +2,669
17. Takumi Takahashi (J), Honda, 3,459
Photo: Gresini Aprilia Racing Team
