Category: Moto GP

1. NO DOWN TIME FOR APRILIA

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 23rd Nov 2022

   WITH ITS BEST EVER MOTOGP SEASON IN THE BOOKS, THE ITALIAN RACING DEPARTMENT PREPARES FOR 2023

   
   The spotlights on the MotoGP season have only been off for a few days but for Aprilia Racing, the work never stopped.

   It was an extraordinary championship season, enriched by the first victory in MotoGP, nine podiums, and two pole positions which shot Aprilia to the top of world championship motorcycle racing. They were, by far, the best results ever achieved by Aprilia in its brief history but now the Italian manufacturer has already begun preparations for a 2023 season that promises to be crucial.

   Lorenzo Savadori was busy with the Test Team in Jerez de la Frontera for two days of testing on 15 and 16 November. In mixed conditions, Lorenzo was still able to get 134 laps in, working especially on new electronics configurations. The data gathered opened up interesting development prospects for 2023.

   At the same time, Aleix and Maverick flew to Cologne for a day of testing in the wind tunnel. Aerodynamic studies have resulted in Aprilia coming up with innovative solutions that are leading the pack in MotoGP and there is plenty more in the works for future developments. Espargaró and Viñales worked on the first 2023 prototype, the characteristics of which will be analysed and refined over the winter break.

   Also making their début in the wind tunnel were Miguel Oliveira and Raúl Fernandez, after the outstanding first contact with the RS-GP in Valencia. For the team RNF riders, this was a session dedicated to an aerodynamic “fitting” on the new bike as they searched for the best configuration based on physical features and riding position.

   But it isn’t just MotoGP. With the Factory Works programme, Aprilia Racing is continuing development on sport bikes dedicated to enthusiasts. This is a made-to-measure tailoring operation intended to provide the most advanced enthusiasts with the sensations and refinements of a true Aprilia racing bike.

   The most recent of the special Aprilia Racing projects, the RSV4 XTrenta, registered a top speed of 320 km/h in the latest tests, achieved in just one kilometre, combining the data connected strictly with speed to the features of rideability and turning agility typical of Aprilia products. This result was made possible by the extraordinary technical platform of the RSV4, the superbike that has revolutionised the segment, winner of seven WSBK world titles where the Aprilia techs implemented the expertise gained in MotoGP, introducing brand new and extremely advanced aerodynamics.

   Now, partly because of the testing limitations and the weather conditions, work on the track will move to the back burner while operations proceed in the Racing Department where the engineers will analyse the data collected throughout the season and finalise the 2023 choices. Aleix and Maverick will have the new prototype for the official tests in Sepang, scheduled to be held from 10 to 12 February.

2. DELTOMED AND GRESINI MOTOGP TO CONTINUE THE PARTNERSHIP IN 2023

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 14th Nov 2022

   Deltomed, the leading Indonesian Company in the ‘herbal medicine’ sector will continue its journey in the premier class with Team Gresini MotoGP. 
   
   The 2023 season will be the sixth consecutive one together for Deltomed and Gresini Racing, with the Antangin brand still present on the front fairing of Fabio Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez’s Desmosedici machines, on the leathersuits of both riders as well as on the pit-box panels, team transportation vehicles and TV backdrops.

   MULYO RAHARDJO – CEO DELTOMED
   “After going through an exciting Journey, We are very proud Antangin still becoming part of Gresini family for the sixth year, which brings Deltomed with its brand, Antangin to become a trusted global brand. We are very happy of this partnership and we can not wait for Alex Marquez and Di Giannantonio’s action in the race and become a champion in this season ."
   
   CARLO MERLINI – GRESINI RACING MARKETING AND COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
   “I’m delighted to announce the continuation of the partnership between Deltomed and Gresini MotoGP. It’s another long-time tie that every year becomes stronger and stronger, for the massive activation that they plan and implement but also for the deep spirit of partnership that drives this relationship since the first time Pak Mulyo and I met back in 2016. Let’s look forward to another exciting season that I’m confident will deliver fun and excitement to Antangin’s consumers and all the Indonesian fanbase.”

    

3. 2023 IS ALREADY HERE: ALEX MAKES GRESINI RACING DEBUT, TOP-SIX

   Posted on 6:00pm Tuesday 8th Nov 2022

   #ValenciaTest. The off-season is around the corner and after saying goodbye to Enea Bastianini, Team Gresini MotoGP has started the road to 2023 with the new rider duo of Fabio Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez. Both standard bearers got to grip today with the 2022-spec Ducati Desmosedici machine. 
   
   Expectations were high especially for the Spaniard, who made his on-track debut aboard Ducati machinery. The #73 had a steady and safe approach: with a total of 73 completed and a best personal lap of 1’30.712secs, he was not far from the top of the timesheets. It was more of a shakedown for him, with the former LCR rider who worked exclusively on the feeling with the bike and the electronics.  
   
   On the other side of the garage, Fabio Di Giannantonio started the working relationship with his new crew chief Frankie Carchedi. It was an important day for the #49 on many areas: he completed a significant number of laps especially with used tyres in order to find immediately a competitive set-up ahead of next season, with a special focus on electronics and rear brake. He finished 6^th quickest with a total of 68 laps completed.

   6^th - FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49 (1’30.483s)
   “It was probably my best day since I made my MotoGP debut. The new bike is fantastic and I was feeling better in every area where I was struggling before. Now we’ll enter the off-season with great excitement. We’ll try to keep both feet on the ground and work hard to be ready for Sepang. It was immediately a great feeling with Carchedi and looks like results are already coming.”
   
   14^th - ALEX MARQUEZ #73 (1’30.712s)
   “It was an exciting first day and I must say I really had fun on the bike. There is a great atmosphere in the team and I felt comfortable straight away – I was already half Italian so… Ducati supported me from the first moment and it’s going to be a long winter before jumping back on the bike. We want to do a good job and arrive in good form at Portimao.”

4. ALEIX AND MAVERICK OUT OF THE RACE DUE TO TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 7th Nov 2022

   THIS BLACK SUNDAY DOES NOT CANCEL OUT THE SEASON WHERE APRILIA MADE A GREAT LEAP FORWARD IN ALL THE STANDINGS ACHIEVING THE BEST RESULTS EVER IN THE PREMIER CLASS

   The MotoGP season did not end as hoped (and probably deserved) for Aprilia. Both Espargaró and Viñales stopped due to technical problems, probably fuel draught for Aleix and at the front of the bike for Maverick. These are problems that had not occurred throughout the weekend where, to the contrary, both riders demonstrated an outstanding pace and started from good positions, but where they were kept from battling for the desired results in the championship standings.

   In Valencia, Aprilia ends the season of their first world championship win, a total of nine podium finishes and two pole positions, with records set in terms of points and placements. Never before, in their brief history, had Aprilia risen so high in the premier class.

   Aleix Espargaró
   “Battling for third place was a dream for me, something historic, especially with the current level of the championship. I think it would have been possible but unfortunately, a technical problem forced me to withdraw. It’s a pity after the season we had. I gave it my all from the first to the last race and I have no regrets. That’s racing – things don’t always go the way you expect them to. Now we need to continue working because next season represents a new opportunity to do well.”

   Maverick Viñales
   “What happened is a real pity. We had the pace and rhythm to battle for the very top positions but I had a problem with the front of the bike and my race ended there. We’ve done a lot this season but we need to improve. I had problems in the early stages of the season finding the right settings and then again in the finale. We need to work hard and learn from this season.”

   Massimo Rivola – Aprilia Racing CEO
   “We are angry and disappointed. Evaluating our season, we should look at the glass as half full, but it’s hard for me to do that today. We had goals that were within our potential and deserved, such as third place for Aleix and second in the Constructors and Teams standings. Extraordinary results that would have been the just rewards for the hard work done by all of Aprilia Racing but evidently we are still not accustomed to battling consistently for the highest objectives. In order to do that, we need to learn to always be perfect, on the track and in Noale. Our championship season is still important and represents an exceptional base of results from which to resume. The last race does not change the certainty that we made a huge step forward and we’ll be back in 2023 to try again with four bikes on the track and renewed ambitions. Now I’d like to congratulate Ducati and Bagnaia for their season and say goodbye to Suzuki, in the hopes that we’ll see them again in the future."

    

   Romano Albesiano - Aprilia Racing Technical Director
   “The 2022 bike turned out to be a potentially victorious project. What happened in the last part of the season should be the starting point to improve on every aspect of our work, from the design of the new RS-GP all the way to managing it in the race. However, we are finishing the season with results that few would have thought possible for us at the season start. It was precisely the highly competitive level of the bike and our riders that brought to light the aspects where we need to improve in order to be consistently at the top. This is our goal for the season that will begin in two days.”

    

5. THE APRILIAS DO WELL WITH ALEIX AND MAVERICK BOTH THROUGH TO Q2

   Posted on 12:00pm Sunday 6th Nov 2022

   IN THE DECISIVE QUALIFYING SESSION MAVERICK, WEAKENED WITH FEVER, GRITS HIS TEETH TO TAKE A NICE SPOT ON THE SECOND ROW

   FOURTH ROW FOR ALEIX, STILL A CONTENDER FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP PODIUM

   
   The Saturday in Valencia ahead of the final MotoGP championship race was decidedly positive for the Aprilia colours. After some struggles on Friday where both riders were outside the top ten, both Aleix and Maverick regained control of the situation. Aleix began, doing the sixth time in the morning FP3 session which sent him straight through to the qualifiers with the top riders.
   Maverick, on the other hand, didn’t manage to go straight through but redeemed himself in the first qualifying round, beating out all his rivals and also going through to the session that decides who will start from the front rows.

   Although far from being in his best physical shape due to a fever that tormented him throughout the day, Maverick was able to further improve in the final Q2 qualifying session, doing a fantastic time of 1’29.995 which earned him a spot on the second row of the starting grid (sixth-best time) for the race tomorrow.

   Aleix, who had demonstrated even more confidence than his teammate in the morning session, struggled a bit more to do a good lap, finishing with the tenth time (1’30.124). His hunt for a position on the championship podium will start from the fourth row tomorrow as he is currently lying third in the overall standings.

   In the race tomorrow, Aprilia Racing will also be chasing a prominent spot both in the Constructor and Team championship standings. In both categories, the Italian manufacturer is currently second – demonstration of their fantastic season and by far the best one yet in Aprilia’s brief history.

   Aleix Espargaró
   “I must say that we did a really good job between yesterday and today. In fact, I now feel rather good in terms of pace. I was unable to find a good lap in qualifying and that’s a pity because the spot on the starting grid doesn’t fully reflect our level. In any case, I’m optimistic for the race. We’ll do the best we possibly can to finish out this great season.”

   Maverick Viñales
   "Today was not an easy day for me. Since yesterday I’ve had a fever that has left me rather weak but I still battled and in the end we managed to take a good step forward and, most importantly, we had good qualifiers. It is important for us to continue improving and working. I’ll try to get some rest now and be in good form for tomorrow."