Miguel Oliveira finished the MotoGP testing day in Jerez after working on some different solutions on the Aprilia RS-GP – some of them gave positive indications. It seems with optimism that the Trackhouse Racing rider leaves the southern Spanish track, on a day where he finished 15th – as naturally, lap times are not important or relevant on a testing day.
The Portuguese rider tested a different rear section with different sensations: ‘We tried to find a good balance to help us stop the bike and also try to have good stability in fast corners. There were some positives, some negatives. It is very difficult to work on the rear section for us. It seems that our bike is a bit more sensitive in this area. Some positives, some negatives, but overall it was good information. We will probably test again on some other occasion‘.
Asked if these positive and negative aspects are related to the aerodynamic load at the rear, Oliveira explained: ‘When you generate aerodynamic load when braking, you also generate it when accelerating. At the exit of some corners I had a bit more wheelie [front wheel lift] and it is very difficult to find the compromise immediately‘.
On the other hand, “Falcão” experimented with ergonomics to try to improve braking, but was not satisfied: ‘We tested a possible solution and it didn’t work. So, what I still have seems to be the best compromise for me‘.
Está Oliveira plus heureux avec la moto lors de la journée d’essais ou lors de la course d’hier? Le #88 a répondu: ‘Ça semblait mieux aujourd’hui. J’avais juste un gros élément à tester à la fin et je n’ai pas vraiment pu tout rassembler avec un nouveau pneu pour faire un tour rapide, car la piste était très bonne à la fin et j’allais vite. Mais de toute façon, nous continuons avec ce sentiment pour Le Mans et je pense que là-bas ce sera une autre confirmation que nous avons fait un pas dans la bonne direction’.
