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Category: Moto GP
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LAUNCHED LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, THE “BACK TO AFRICA” PROJECT IS ALREADY A REALITY: APRILIA IS ONCE AGAIN PROTAGONIST IN THE BIG RALLY RAIDS
THE TWO TUAREG MACHINES, DEVELOPED BY APRILIA RACING IN COLLABORATION WITH GCORSE, WILL TACKLE THE AFRICAN DESERT IN THE ABLE HANDS OF JACOPO CERUTTI AND FRANCESCO MONTANARI
AFTER THE EXTRAORDINARY TRIUMPH IN ITS DÉBUT IN THE ITALIAN MOTORALLY AND THE PODIUM IN THE TRANSANATOLIA RALLY, THE GOAL IS NOW THE LEGENDARY LAC ROSE OF DAKAR
THE OFFICIAL START IS FROM MONACO, FIRST LEG IN MOROCCO ON 2 JANUARY
Noale, 30 December 2023 - For Aprilia, it’s finally “Back to Africa”: the project announced less than a year ago to take the Aprilia brand back to the big African raids now comes to fruition with the participation of two Aprilia Tuareg machines in the 2024 edition of the Africa Eco Race, which will start officially today, 30 December, from Monaco.
For the entire Aprilia Racing department, which developed the competition version of the Tuareg in close collaboration with GCorse of the Guareschi brothers, this is a return to the first love, those off-road disciplines which were the Italian brand’s début in the world of competitions.
In addition, by taking part in the Africa Eco Race, Aprilia will once again be travelling through legendary places and routes, those of the historic African Dakar, thereby bringing to mind the successful experience of Aprilia’s last participation (the last Italian bike to win at the Dakar) in the most famous rally raid in the world, in the period from 2010 to 2012.
In the able hands of factory riders Jacopo Cerutti and Francesco Montanari, the Aprilia Tuareg developed for rally raids is built on the excellent technical base of the bike which, closely derived from the factory model, triumphed in its début in the Italian Motorally G-1000 class championship, with Jacopo Cerutti skilfully dominating in six of the eight trials held and taking a brilliant absolute victory against the lighter, specialised enduro single-cylinders in the Rally of Sardinia. An overwhelming year where Francesco Montanari also ended up on the final podium of the Italian championship, ranking third in the general standings.
Thanks to the experience gained in the Italian Motorally and the participation in September in the first international race, the Transanatolia Rally, with Cerutti winning one leg and finishing third overall, the development of the Aprilia Tuareg for the Africa Eco Race progressed quickly - proof of the outstanding off-road capabilities of the standard factory Tuareg.
In an initial stage, the focus was on the chassis architecture and then on finding the best possible engine performance in the prohibitive racing conditions anticipated. Last, but not least, the adoption of a supplementary fuel tank increased range, necessary for covering the long rally raid distances.
The Aprilia Tuareg competition version is fitted with Öhlins by Andreani suspension, a complete SC Project exhaust in titanium, and a specific Sprint Filter air filter.
After the official start in Monaco, bikes and equipment will ship out to Morocco where they’ll get down to business on 2 January, with the first of the 12 legs scheduled. The goal is to reach the legendary finish at Lac Rose, in Dakar, on 14 January.
JACOPO CERUTTI
“For me, it is fantastic to be able to bring a brand like Aprilia back to the desert. The Africa Eco Race will be a great adventure and a huge challenge for everyone. This will be true for me, as a rider, but also for the entire Aprilia Racing department and for the GCorse team. Over the past few months, we have all done an insane amount of work developing the bike, which is already extremely good in its base configuration. We feel like we are ready. We demonstrated a good pace in the tests we did in the desert, so we will certainly be able to hold our own. The first part of the race, in Morocco on harder terrain, could prove to be a bit more complicated, but I’m optimistic for the second week in the sand. I won’t hide the fact that I’d like to win some legs and stay ahead of some of our more favoured rivals, but beyond that, such a long race is so unpredictable that it’s hard to make any predictions in terms of the general standings. We will certainly be giving it our all!”
FRANCESCO MONTANARI
“Even though I am trying to stay calm, I’m sure that once I'm on the starting grid of the first trial, I’ll be overcome by a special emotion. This will be my first experience in such a long and demanding race and I wish to thank Aprilia for the huge opportunity they are giving me, as well as the Guareschi brothers for their continuous support. These have been extremely intense months, full of testing, races, and training to prepare for this event. As I said, this is my first time in such a long rally, so my absolute top priority is to finish the race, trying to ride my best but without overdoing it. It won’t be simple, because I’ll be trying giving to give it my all constantly in the race, but it will be important to ration my strength and not make any mistakes. I want to arrive at the finish line in Dakar at all costs and then, once there, we’ll take stock of how it went.”
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Motorcycle racing is not the most popular sport globally, but it still attracts millions of viewers and betting lovers with its unique appeal. Amateur events and huge professional championships occur in multiple countries, so finding something to place your prediction on won't be challenging.
Lots of no-minimum-deposit online betting sites welcome players with the possibility of investing small sums but multiple benefits in exchange. Therefore, operators with no minimum deposit are the top pick for low-budget risk fans. A plethora of exciting events await punters all year round – so let’s look at the best championships!
MotoGP World Championship
The premier-class road racing tournament takes place in different parts of the world, making it attractive for sports lovers and punters. MotoGP is a real pinnacle of the industry, gathering the leaders competing for the champion’s title. It’s evident the tournament is attractive for sports bettors: tons of adrenaline, experienced pilots, and unpredictable results are the primary points engaging millions of users.
Many online bookies offer thrilling experiences and lucrative odds, so finding a place to bet on the MotoGP World Championship won’t be difficult. Many operators provide maximum benefits for low deposits, creating excellent conditions for their members.
Superbike World Championship
This international tournament was established in 1988 and became among the leading motorcycle events during the following decades. The racing event is exciting as drivers face tough conditions: superbikes are difficult to manage due to their increased capacity and engine power. Therefore, pilots have to implement all their skills to keep the vehicle moving and balancing on the racetrack.
Undeniably, unpredictability is among the primary factors bettors enjoy, so it’s not surprising this tournament is in demand in online sportsbooks. The event takes place on twelve different tracks and is held from April to November. Therefore, motorcycle lovers can enjoy exceptional driver performance for multiple months.
Punters can predict the outcome of a particular race or place their bets on the final tournament outcome. Finding a bookie offering amazing odds on the Superbike World Championship may take a while, but it’s still possible and will bring plenty of benefits.
Isle of Man TT
The Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy races) is among the most recognisable motorcycle events worldwide. The competition takes place annually – so spring is the favourite season of this sport’s fans. The Isle of Man, where the most skilled drivers from different parts of the globe compete for the champion’s title, is the desired destination for motorcycle lovers.
The uniqueness of the event is that it’s held on public roads: no special tracks are necessary. Of course, this makes the tournament more complicated for participants and spectacular for viewers. The event has been held for over 100 years: the first Isle of Man TT was witnessed in 1907.
The extreme competition’s conditions, implying a 37.7-mile drive through mountains, make it a titbit for betting enthusiasts. Lots of online bookmakers offer amazing odds for this tournament, and punters gladly take this opportunity. The situation can change at any moment, which is why betting on the Isle of Man TT is so attractive.
Useful Tips for Budget-Friendly Betting on Motorcycle Events
Unsurprisingly, most bettors want to invest a minimum and win more. Currently, online bookmakers offer multiple opportunities to their members. Users often search for ways to maximise their initial stake and get the highest possible prize. Consider the below tips that will bring your low-budget betting experience to an entirely new level:
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Find online betting sites allowing minimum top-ups
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Final Insight
Motorcycle events cannot be compared to loud football championships in terms of their popularity, but they still boast a loyal fan base. The unpredictability and difficulty of this sport attract viewers, and regular tournaments boost interest in the discipline. Punters are also attracted to the possibility of betting small sums on MotoGP, Superbike World Championship and other important popular moto competitions of 2023.
On the other hand, modern bookies offer fantastic odds and the opportunity to deposit a minimum to get lots of benefits. Finding a suitable betting destination is not complicated, as numerous operators are available for risk lovers – and their fantastic bonuses will melt your heart!
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THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH THE YOUNG AMERICAN STRUCTURE, ALREADY A PROTAGONIST IN NASCAR
Aprilia Racing has signed a three-year agreement with US outfit Trackhouse, already a major player in the NASCAR motorsport championship. Captained by former racer Justin Marks, the American team will bring the RS-GPs to the track as an Independent Team. Confirmed are riders Miguel Oliveira and Raùl Fernandez, in their second season riding the Italian prototypes.
A partnership that will see Aprilia Racing take charge of all technical aspects, collaborating closely with Trackhouse Racing on track and taking care of development during the season, through a dedicated structure that represents an important step forward in Aprilia's MotoGP project.
MASSIMO RIVOLA - CEO Aprilia Racing
"We are happy and proud to welcome Trackhouse into the Aprilia Racing family. What they have been able to build in a very short time in NASCAR is an extraordinary presentation card, which anticipates the potential of this partnership. This is thanks to Justin Marks and his team, whom I got to know through my long-time friend PJ Rashidi, and with whom we were immediately in sync both in terms of technical ambitions and marketing and communication developments in such an important market as the US. Our commitment will increase significantly, a responsibility we gladly take on because, I am sure, it will allow us to grow even more".
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A STOIC ALEIX FORGETS ABOUT HIS FRACTURED LEFT LEG AND FINISHES EIGHTH IN VALENCIA
MAVERICK, TENTH, PAYS THE PRICE FOR CHOOSING THE SOFT TYRE
FANTASTIC FIFTH PLACE FOR RAUL FERNANDEZ WITH THE BEST FINISH OF HIS CAREER
The final round of the 2023 season had Aprilia placing three RS-GP machines in the top ten. Aleix Espargaró, despite a fresh fracture to his left leg suffered one week ago in the Qatar GP, had a comeback ride from the twelfth spot on the starting grid all the way to sixth place. In the final battle, he finished eighth, a result beyond even the highest expectations, given his condition.
For Maverick Viñales, a protagonist throughout the weekend with pole position and the new track record, the race was conditioned by a questionable penalty levied for not having observed the black/orange flag condition during the warm-up session. Three positions on the grid, from first to fourth place, was the decision taken by Race Direction after Maverick had re-entered the track, with the approval of the marshals, and after verifying that there was nothing wrong with his RS-GP. The plume of white smoke which had alarmed the marshals was due to the evaporation of lubricant which had dripped onto the exhaust. In fact, the same RS-GP was then used in the race. His choice to go with the soft tyre at the rear, the only one on the grid to do so, further penalised Maverick who, after battling for podium positions in the opening stage, gradually lost positions in the finale.
Worth a mention is Raul Fernandez and his fantastic fifth place astride the Team RNF RS-GP, which is his best finish yet in his budding career.
Aprilia closes out its first season as a factory team with two victories by Espargaró (in the English GP and in Catalunya), and another podium from Aleix, as well as three podiums (all second place) for Maverick. In the Sprint Race, the Italian team took one win and two podiums. In 2023, Aprilia was the only team to have a one-two finish in a GP – the spectacular Barcelona race.
ALEIX
“It was extremely difficult today. I was in a lot of pain, especially in the second half of the race. The left-handers were a nightmare. I was unable to shift gears and the last three laps were terrible. In spite of it all, I am satisfied because up to five laps from the end, I stayed five or six seconds behind the leader. I was very fast, but in the last three laps I was losing as much as two seconds every lap. I’d like to end with a thought for my brother, Pol, who rode his last race today. He has always been a point of reference for me, and it was extremely emotional for me to share the track with him for the last time today.”
MAVERICK
“Unfortunately, we paid the price in the race for an unconventional decision. We chose the soft tyre because, looking at the data collected throughout the weekend, we had less spin and less wear than with the medium. Despite the spin being lower in the race, we had excessive wear which showed that this compound was not the right choice for 27 laps in a row.”
The final round of the season is also an opportunity to thank all those involved in Aprilia’s MotoGP project. From the team at the track, skilfully tackling an extremely demanding calendar without ever losing focus, to the Racing Department in Noale which supported the team’s efforts, presenting an innovative and fast RS-GP which is constantly being developed. And let’s not forget about the “world” that supports the MotoGP effort: the sponsors, the technical partners, and the fans who, supported and cheered us on throughout the 2023 season with impressive warmth. For all of them, we look forward to an even more thrilling and more competitive 2024 with Aprilia colours.
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Maverick takes his first pole position on an Aprilia, with the track record, and finishes fourth in the Sprint Race
DEFENSIVE RACE FOR ALEIX, STRUGGLING WITH THE INJURY TO HIS LEFT LEG
It was a positive day for Maverick Viñales who, in the morning qualifiers, took his first pole position astride the RS-GP. He will start from the first spot on the grid tomorrow in the final GP of the season. He started well today in the Sprint Race, overtaking Bagnaia on the first corner. He led the short race confidently in the first four laps but then, having chosen a medium rear tyre, he was forced to give in to the higher performance of riders who had put on the soft. He stayed with the leading group to finish fourth, less than one second from the podium, and was the best of the riders who had opted for the same tyre.
After going straight through to the second qualifying session yesterday, Aleix had to reckon with physical fitness heavily conditioned by the fracture to his left fibula suffered less than one week ago in Qatar. He started from the fourth row and struggled to make up positions, finishing the race thirteenth.
ALEIX
"I obviously had to reckon with my injury. However, I must compliment the mobile clinic docs. They are incredibly talented and they did a great job making sure I wasn’t in too much pain. Sometimes we complain about things that are wrong with the championship but, in the same way, we need to acknowledge the positive aspects and the level of the Mobile Clinic is one of these. In spite of this, I did not have strength in the leg and it was hard to move about in the saddle which, on a track like Valencia, is highly penalising. In any case, after today’s Sprint Race, I’m more confident about being able to finish the long race. I want to make it to the finish line because everyone, from the fans to Aprilia, deserves it after this season."
MAVERICK
"It was a positive day and taking my first pole position with Aprilia was fantastic. We have no regrets for the Sprint Race. The decision to go with the medium tyre really seemed like the right choice. Instead, something unexpected happened and, at the end of the day, those who chose the soft had clearly better performance. This leaves us with a lot of doubts for the GP tomorrow because the soft tyre has demonstrated that it is consistent all the way to the final laps. However, I am pleased with the job we did. The bike worked extremely well, so we just need to fully analyse the data and take the right decision."
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