RiderTua.com – Aleix Espargaro admits that he doesn’t care about the many aerodynamic updates to the 2024 Aprilia MotoGP motorbike which makes it even more ‘difficult’ to ride. What is important for the 34 year old racer is how fast the bike is.
And after finishing 5th and top non-Ducati rider at the Sepang test and 3rd in Qatar, Aleix gave his new bike a warm welcome. “It’s not an easy bike. I think 2024 is one of the most difficult years I’ve ever had, but at the same time it’s more competitive. So, welcome!” said Max and Mia’s father with a smile.
The Latest Aprilia RS-GP Motorcycle Is Difficult to Ride? Aleix Espargaro Doesn’t Care: What’s Important is Quick..!
What does Aleix Espargaro mean by the difficulties? “Because of the downforce, this bike is quite heavy. I don’t know if heavy is the right word, but to change direction and put the bike into a corner, sometimes if we don’t have the right grip then we have to force ourselves,” answered the Spanish rider who lives in Andorra’s ‘tax haven’.
Aleix added that it is not easy to understand how to do it. “But in the end, the important thing is that we can be faster. I’m very happy. It’s just a test but I’m enjoying a lot this year. I really like the 2024 spec bike. Malaysia and Qatar are very different circuits, the grip is very different, and I’m fast “For time attack I need to improve a little, but in terms of speed with used tires I am very strong.”
Aleix Espargaro explains that it is difficult to pinpoint one particular area of progress. “The (static) weight of the bike is slightly reduced. The chassis stiffness is slightly different. The aerodynamics are very different. Everything has been updated but the aerodynamics is definitely the biggest update we can see.” said Laura Montero’s husband.
Maverick Vinales’ colleague said that the main problem was stability, his motorbike had improved a lot. With used tires it is much easier to keep track of times, so this is very good. Sometimes when the grip is not strong, it is difficult to understand how to ride the bike because we have to push more.”
Aleix’s only technical concern is engine performance, while it remains to be seen how the RS-GP 24 will perform in ‘real’ racing situations. But during the test, he concluded that so far it was working well. If they can be fast from the start on two different tracks (Sepang and Qatar) then this will be a positive thing. “Tests don’t produce points but it’s always important to feel good,” concluded Aleix Espargaro.
