Aprilia’s MotoGP season 2021 has got off to a good start. The new RS-GP, which was already advertised by Aleix and Lorenzo during the Jerez tests, also confirmed its development compared to the 2020 prototype on the Losail track. An evolution that has touched all essential aspects, from aerodynamics and electronics to the further developed V4 engine.
Even without focusing on the fastest lap, which still allowed Aleix to take third place After being the fastest yesterday, the speed of the new RS-GP was confirmed by several long runs during which the Spaniard maintained a promising pace.
“It’s just a test of course, but our progress is also evident. The great work that started last year and continued through the winter has resulted in the RS-GP improving according to my needs. ” Aleix Espargarò said. “It’s not just one aspect, it’s a lot of small changes that set it apart from 2020 and make it more competitive. We deserve it from the bottom of our hearts. We can fight with the best on the flying lap and we are also in good shape. I don’t want to exaggerate, but I’m really happy, even if I want to keep my feet on the ground. In 2020 we were between sixth and tenth place. Now the story is different, even if we haven’t found an optimal balance yet. Here at Losail we were quick, doing several laps in fifty-four. The race will of course be different. “
The 2021 RS-GP looks really different from the previous one, but is it really that?
“Not really. The bike isn’t a revolution, but there have been a lot of small adjustments that, taken together, make a difference. The engine has more acceleration and torque below and a lot more downforce thanks to the new aerodynamics. But we lost a bit of speed as a result. Because of the new aerodynamicsthe RS-GP has become very tough and tiring, especially here in Losail, where there are a lot of fast corners. When I talk about driving fatigue I am not referring to the weight. This is the lightest Aprilia ever. It’s the spoilers that make the changes of direction tiresome. I would like it to be more agile and easier. “
In the winter, Romano Albesiano worked a lot on the weight and also on some innovations, such as the mass camper in the saddle.
“I noticed that during the Jerez tests. The chatter was gone and here with only four kilograms no vibrations. The bike is very stable. With that in mind, Yamaha is the reference and we are going in that direction. But I still have a bit of work to do in the gym. The bike has no problems. We’re competitive, but it’s not luck. Everyone worked a lot in Noale. There are new engineers. We are closer. We didn’t just improve on the lap. And I have to say we pushed because many fell. “