Aprilia brought some expected news in the Sepang tests, and with a test still ongoing, not all riders seem completely satisfied at the moment. With a new chassis, aerodynamic package, and a different character engine, the trio of riders leading the development of the RS-GP still have a lot of work ahead of them.
Here’s a brief summary of the news brought by the Noale manufacturer in the Sepang tests.
Aprilia raised the bar with the RS-GP 2024, presenting a new chassis, aerodynamic package, and engine, marking a remarkable difference compared to its predecessors. A complete aerodynamic revision reshaped the balance of the bike, requiring configuration adjustments to optimize performance.
The renewed aerodynamic package features updated wings, with the addition of side wings for the first time. In particular, the rear unit underwent a complete overhaul, now incorporating a diffuser under the tail for greater aerodynamic efficiency.
The initial feedback from the riders has been varied, reflecting different experiences with the new bike. Aleix Espargaró expressed optimism, citing the bike as a significant improvement. In contrast, Maverick Viñales showed his concern, citing a lack of sensitivity with the new setup. Miguel Oliveira also expressed concerns about rear grip at the entry of corners, highlighting areas for improvement.
Viñales’ dissatisfaction led him to revert to the old rear unit from 2023 during the tests, indicating a search for a preferred bike balance. Despite the complaints, both Viñales and Oliveira showed respectable speed during the tests, with Viñales showing strength in long races. Espargaró emerged as the best performer among the trio, managing to keep pace with some of the fastest Ducati riders, both in a single lap and in longer races.
Source: MotoGP
