2024 Aprilia MotoGP bike like an F1 car in Qatar corners

Aprilia overhauled its V4-powered RS-GP over the winter, with its new aerodynamic idea turning heads when it was seen for the primary time on the Sepang check final month.

The up to date bike seems to be a transparent step ahead over 2023, with Espargaro having fun with a robust run to 3rd within the half-distance race in Qatar on Saturday, ending proper behind race winner Jorge Martin (Pramac) and second-placed Brad Binder (KTM).

Whereas the Spanish rider once more pinpointed a scarcity of energy as the primary weak spot of the 2024 Aprilia package deal, he was totally impressed with how a lot pace he was in a position to carry via corners on the Losail circuit.

 “Within the apex of the corners, it is unbelievable, like Components 1,” stated the three-time MotoGP race winner. “It is superb to experience this bike. I loved it loads, particularly in corners 12, 13, 14, 15. It is loopy the pace you possibly can carry in the course of the quick corners.  

“And the weak level is the engine. We all know we’ve got to work there however it’s race 1, we nonetheless have time.”

Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Staff

Picture by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Photographs

Espargaro’s efficiency was notably spectacular as he appeared speedy via the second a part of the race, when plenty of rivals reported a major tyre drop-off, repassing Gresini’s Marc Marquez for fourth earlier than snatching the ultimate spot on the rostrum from reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) on the penultimate lap.

The Spanish rider says it’s his tempo within the closing laps on worn tyres that provides him confidence heading into the grand prix on Sunday, the place he’ll begin second behind polesitter Martin.

“I am very constructive for the lengthy distance race as a result of I suffered extra the primary 5 laps than the [following] 5 laps,” he defined.

“The primary 5 laps when all people used loads of energy, loads of torque, there was nothing I might do. I braked very late, however I could not catch them on the acceleration. 

“We’ve no extra energy to placed on the ground however after 5-6 laps when the tyre grip dropped I maintained my acceleration they usually dropped loads so hopefully tomorrow the second a part of the race will probably be good for us.”

Given the record-breaking tempo Ducati riders had proven in pre-season testing at each Sepang and Losail, many feared one other 12 months of domination for the Borgo Panigale marque within the premier class.

However whereas it’s too early to attract conclusions concerning the kind information, Espargaro says the end result he and Binder achieved within the dash may very well be proof that Ducati gained’t have its personal approach in 2024.

“I do not know if that is the reality as a result of we did many days of testing right here however in any case Brad [Binder] and I confirmed that we’re going to combat lions to place our bikes on prime, to combat the Ducatis,” he stated. 

“Within the dash was shut. We rode very near get them.”

Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Staff

Picture by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Photographs

Marquez, competing on a Ducati for the primary time following his winter swap from Honda, obtained a detailed view of Espargaro at Losail as they exchanged positions within the second half of the dash.

Whereas admitting that different Desmosedici riders may have a straightline pace benefit, he feels Espargaro’s pace within the remaining laps of the dash places him in a chief place to take victory in the primary race.

“Whether it is like at this time, sure [he is the favourite],” Marquez stated on Saturday. “The second a part of the race he was nonetheless driving on the 1m52s. So he was tremendous quick. 

“Seems to be like he was managing the tires very well, so it appears to be like like he’s the favorite for Sunday. 

“It is true that will probably be tough for him to combat in opposition to the Ducatis as a result of they’re sooner on the straights however he was tremendous quick on the nook speeds.”