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Category: Moto GP
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A GREAT BRAND RESULT FOR APRILIA WITH THREE BIKES IN THE TOP EIGHT
Maverick Viñales took another positive placement in the top five, finishing fifth at the GP of San Marino and the Riviera of Rimini. Taking the position just behind the leaders in the early stages of the race, Maverick basically maintained his pace all the way to the end, almost never having to engage in battle.
In the Emilia Romagna GP, Aprilia achieved a nice brand result with three RS-GP machines finishing in the top eight. In fact, in addition to Maverick’s fifth place, Miguel Oliveira and Raùl Fernandez finished sixth and eighth respectively. The team RNF standard bearers thereby contributed to confirmation of what the Aprilias had demonstrated on Saturday in qualifying, when four went through to Q2.
In the race, Aleix Espargaró’s sharp performance was missing after winning just seven days ago in Barcelona. He substantially compromised his performance in the early stages after the start, dropping back several positions. An analysis of his pace shows speed similar to that of the top-5 finishers, but difficulty overtaking kept him from achieving a better position. His 12th place means four Important points in the hunt for fourth place in the overall championship standings.
ALEIX
“The result is obviously not good, but I gambled away the race at the start. I lost positions and found myself in a group where we all had a very similar pace. Struggling to overtake, despite laptimes that were actually good, I was unable to do better than I did. We knew that this would be a complicated track for us, both for the characteristics of the RS-GP and because I don’t particularly like the layout. From here on out, I have good feelings, plus we’ll be able to use the test tomorrow to try some solutions to improve in these conditions.”
MAVERICK
“Being disappointed with a top-5 finish is a good sign. It means that we have raised the bar and we want to stay out front. I expected more this weekend – I won’t hide that – but we struggled more than expected when grip increased, especially in braking. It’s a question of balance – compromise in the setup – that we need to work on. Already in the test tomorrow, I definitely want to improve in braking in these conditions.”
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A TASTE OF 2024 AND REFINEMENTS FOR 2023: ALEIX, MAVERICK, MIGUEL, AND RAÙL AT WORK IN THE MISANO TESTS
The action at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli did not end with the races yesterday but continued with a day of official MotoGP testing today. These were two sessions that Aprilia dedicated to both the initial 2024 material tests and refinements to the 2023 package. This was the case for the factory team, whereas in the RNF camp, Miguel Oliveira had the chance to throw a leg over the latest evolution of the RS-GP.
Overall, it was a positive day, and not only from a “times” point of view. Preparation for the long series of overseas rounds which will begin with India in two weeks has Aprilia in a good situation, both technically and in terms of high morale. On the other side of things, looking towards 2024, work is moving right along, with the team well aware that they already have an extremely competitive base.
ALEIX
“With Aprilia we are at a level where no revolutionary changes are necessary. To the contrary, we need to avoid the risk of creating confusion. The Test Team is working hard, the engineers have a lot of data to analyse, and from here to Valencia, they’ll have time to prepare the 2024 material. We’ve already tested some things – a different frame with pros and cons and a lot of components. We also know how particular this track is, especially after a race weekend, so it isn’t the ideal setting to draw conclusions. We have a series of races ahead of us where we have every possibility of doing well.”
MAVERICK
“The test went well. Our goal was to improve in braking and we found some interesting solutions, at the same time continuing work on the start and the way the bike performs in high grip conditions. Personally, I feel good in the saddle. I know we’ll be able to take another step forward, but I’m already having fun riding this Aprilia.”
ROMANO ALBESIANO
“Very interesting day, with the few tests available and the many things to try it is always complex to organise the work. Using these opportunities well can make the difference, we can consider ourselves satisfied. We are laying the foundations of our 2024 project, which will not be a revolution but a careful evolution of an already very performing package. Every piece of data and every comparison helps us to define the technical path to follow. In addition to Aleix and Maverick's input, Miguel's comment on his first outing with the latest RS-GP was important. He is a fast rider but at the same time precise and analytical, he can help us on our path of growth.”
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APRILIA DOUBLE PODIUM – THE FIRST IN HISTORY! ALEIX DOMINATES THE SPRINT RACE AND MAVERICK IS THIRD
The numbers usually don’t lie, except when it comes to modern MotoGP, because even though the practice session times seemed to foreshadow good potential for Aprilia, you can never rule anything out when it comes to battling in the race.
Aleix’s win came at the end of a fiercely fought Sprint race, where Bagnaia started well from pole position, taking the lead in the early laps. The Aprilia rider overtook first Martin and then his teammate, setting off after the leader, followed by Maverick. During the sixth lap, Aleix pulled the pin. Taking advantage of the RS-GP’s acceleration coming out of the final turn and the power of his V4, he came alongside Bagnaia in the first braking, setting up a clean and decisive overtake. Once out front, the hometown rider’s best pace came out, catapulting him to his first Sprint Race win, finishing with a gap of almost two full seconds.
Maverick finished on the third step of the podium after an outstanding race where he just missed second place (by 51 thousandths) after recovering from near contact with Martin. Ahead of the final stretch, he had an opening to attempt overtaking but, partly due to front tyre wear, Viñales decided not to gamble on any risky manoeuvres.
Today’s result is a historic one for the Italian manufacturer. Never before in MotoGP history had two Aprilias shared the podium.
ALEIX
“I wish to dedicate this win to our President, Roberto Colaninno. He would have been proud to see where we’ve taken his bike and it is thanks to his support as well that we are able to celebrate such an important team result. I felt good today. Pecco started very strong – so much that I thought I might just stay behind him and have a go in the finale. However, at a certain point I had the confidence to overtake him and set my own pace. Today’s Sprint Race showed me that the true key to the race is the front tyre. Even today, we had to manage it, so with twice as many laps and higher temperatures tomorrow, it will be difficult.”
MAVERICK
“Today’s result is fantastic for all of us. Managing to put two Aprilias on the podium is incredible. I’m happy for all the members of the team and I think it is only right to dedicate it to our President. I’m satisfied with my result even if I wasn’t able to overtake Bagnaia at the end. I tried, but he was very good at defending in braking and I did not want to risk contact. Tomorrow we’ll tackle another demanding race, especially in terms of tyre wear. Already today in the Sprint Race, the front tyre suffered a drop and that may be the element that kept me from being more incisive. In any case, we have a lot of data available to work with now. We know we have the pace to be able to battle for the podium tomorrow too.”
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FOUR APRILIAS IN Q2 AS A TESTAMENT TO PROGRESS MADE, EVEN ON A TRADITIONALLY DIFFICULT CIRCUIT LIKE THIS ONE
TIME TO WORK ON REDUCING THE GAP AHEAD OF TOMORROW’S GRAND PRIX
Aprilia Racing continues growing, at times substantiated by thrilling results, such as the first and second place finishes a week ago in the Barcelona race (the only MotoGP team to have achieved this result this season), and at times with less flashy but just as significant results.
The Misano circuit, not exactly a favourite for the RS-GP, had Maverick and Aleix finishing the Sprint race on Saturday with a good placement, sixth and eighth respectively.
An even more significant result was seeing all four Aprilias on the track in Q2. Viñales and Fernandez, who had already gone straight through thanks to being in the top ten on Friday, were joined by Espargaró and Oliveira, first and second in the first qualifying session today. At the end of Q2, the two factory riders had taken spots on the second row (Maverick fourth and Aleix sixth), whereas the Cryptodata RNF riders occupied the fourth row in the tenth (Oliveira) and twelfth spots (Fernandez).
In the race, Maverick and Aleix stayed just behind the leaders, but without ever finding what they needed to close the gap, at least with the riders battling for third. Now, taking advantage of the data from the Sprint Race and the riders’ reports, work is underway in the garage to improve the RS-GP machines ahead of tomorrow’s Grand Prix.
Aprilia Racing would like to take a moment today to remember Mike Trimby and express our condolences for his passing. Our most heartfelt and sincere thoughts go out to his family, his loved ones, and IRTA.
ALEIX
“Even though it may seem like a disappointing result, I can actually consider myself satisfied. On an unfavourable track, after yesterday’s difficulties, I was able to finish close to Maverick who rides extremely well here and not far from the podium. Even physically, I felt better than expected. I thought I would wake up in pain, but I can say that I did not have any big problems. We’ll see what we’re able to do in the long race, which is a very different situation from today.”
MAVERICK
“Today, with the soft tyre I did not find the best feeling. The bike moved around a lot. This is something that we need to figure out and work on. Tomorrow things could go differently. In race configuration with the medium tyre, we demonstrated that we can be extremely fast. The Sprint Race was still important to understand how the bike is working and to better prepare for the long race. Being out front from the start will be fundamental.”
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Today’s press release is first and foremost dedicated to Mike Trimby, who passed away last night. Here are Nadia Padovani’s words…
“The departure of Mike Trimby leaves a huge void in the championship and in our hearts. As the founder and president of IRTA, Mike was key in the growth and development of our championship. If we have reached the current organisational and professional levels is without a doubt thanks to Mike’s efforts and passion. Speaking for the whole Gresini Racing, we’d like to extend the most heartfelt condolences to Irene and all the guys at IRTA.”
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