Admin Posted March 7 Share Posted March 7 Left to right: Romano Albesiano, Massimo Rivola, and Paolo Bonora with the Aprilia RS-GP24. (Aprilia/) The excitement is building as the countdown begins for the 2024 MotoGP season with the first round set to be hosted by Qatar on March 8–10. With just a handful of days to go, motorsports fans around the world are keen to know which manufacturer will be able to challenge the reigning champion, Ducati. Aprilia—the other Italian constructor—aims at being the alternative. During the latest tests in Qatar, the Noale company put itself on display with three RS-GPs in the first six positions. And Aleix Espargaró was just behind the two factory Ducatis, a clear sign of the tangible evolutionary growth Aprilia had during the winter. We talked about this growth and the upcoming season with Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola and technical director Romano Albesiano. The wait is over. How do you feel on the eve of the 2024 MotoGP season? Rivola: “We arrive confident, strong from the good work done in Malaysia and Qatar during the winter. These are two very different tracks; in Sepang historically we suffer more, while we are faster in Losail. That’s why we must not delude ourselves.” Aleix Espargaró was very competitive in Losail. Rivola: “Aleix has been the most concrete so far. He has been with Aprilia since day one, and his three wins in Argentina 2022, Great Britain, and Barcelona in 2023 gave him extra confidence. In the Qatar tests he finished just behind [Francesco] Bagnaia and [Enea] Bastianini, so we are confident.” Related: More Aprilia Aero Secrets Explained Aleix Espargaró has won the most on Aprilia. Can he fight for the title in 2024? (Aprilia/) How did the riders adapt to the 2024 package? Rivola: “Aleix liked the full package right away, Maverick (Viñales) struggled more at the beginning, Miguel (Oliveira) went from the RS-GP22 to the 24 making a big jump because the bikes are very different especially at the aerodynamic level, while Raúl (Fernández) skipped Sepang as he was recovering from an injury and didn’t push hard in Qatar.” Which are the main innovations of the 2024 RS-GP? Albesiano: “For sure the ride-height devices which have become crucial and always more impacting on the bike. They have become essential and are able to give a clear advantage at the start and in acceleration. We have also worked on the electric and electronic side of the machine.” What about the engine? The riders always ask for more power. Albesiano: “We worked on the aerodynamics and the engine. Regarding the latest, according to the rules, with the start of the season it is sealed, but there are many things we can work around.” How important is it to have a team like Trackhouse on your side? Albesiano: “Lining up four bikes accelerates development and doubles data collection. With Trackhouse, it is also an important partnership for our brand in the United States. I’m sure it will be very beneficial also to increase the visibility of MotoGP in the US. Trackhouse has a lot of experience in NASCAR and they will bring something new in MotoGP.” How many factory bikes will you line up? Rivola: “In 2024 we are raising the bar, because Miguel Oliveira will start the season on an RS-GP with the same specs as the official bikes and Raúl will receive them very soon. This means a big commitment for the racing department but also shows the evolution of the project on all fronts.” Will Aprilia be in the game as early as Qatar? Rivola: “That’s what we’re aiming for. We are fast and the bike will also improve during the year.” How do you see the level of your competitors? Rivola: “Right now Ducati is one step ahead. I am convinced that Marc Márquez will be immediately in the title fight. In addition to the factory riders and [Jorge] Martín, we saw a fast Fabio Di Giannantonio. We will also be there in Qatar.” Which is your main objective? Rivola: “We aim at fighting with Ducati and KTM. Our goal is to become an alternative to Ducati.” Related: Styrian MotoGP Wrap-up Maverick Viñales took more time to gel with the RS-GP24 machine. (Aprilia/) What about Honda and Yamaha? Rivola: “At this moment they are chasing but I think they will arrive soon, also thanks to the advantage of concessions.” How do you see the calendar? Rivola: “It’s good to have more countries involved alongside ‘old-school’ circuits like Mugello that maintain the tradition for the fans and the original layout but with very modern facilities and a high standard in safety.” What about two MotoGP races in the US? Rivola: “What Formula 1 has done in America—to take as an example—has changed the perception of the sport. It would be great to have two MotoGP races in America; Dorna is working on it. Where? It would be great to have a second race in the north of the country.” What about the format? Rivola: “The introduction of the sprint race has been successful. The show offered is unquestionable, but I think a lot can still be done to bring our sport closer to young people so that they can have a hands-on experience.” Left to Right: Lorenzo Savadori (official test rider), Espargaró, and Viñales stand behind their latest racebike: the Aprilia RS-GP24. (Aprilia/) Finally, the teams will meet in Qatar to finalize future technical directions. What is the trend? Albesiano: “The philosophy behind the new rules that will be in force from 2027 is simplification. This will affect especially the aerodynamics, starting with the ride-height devices. The idea is to return to the DNA of the sport, with the focus on corner speed with a more flowing riding style, rather than on braking and acceleration as it is nowadays. The idea is to simplify the machine so that the rider can return to being the protagonist.” View the full article 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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