Aprilia Racing starts off strong in Silverstone

ESPARGARÓ SECOND AND VIÑALES EIGHTH, BOTH STRAIGHT THROUGH TO Q2

It was an extremely positive day for Aleix Espargaró who, returning from the injury to his right hand, proved to be competitive with the RS-GP24 from FP1, finishing third. In the practice session, the Spanish rider reconfirmed his feeling with the bike, demonstrating a good race pace and doing an outstanding time attack, which allowed him to finish second, just 45 thousandths behind the top time.

Good performance for Maverick Viñales as well, finishing FP1 second and eighth in the practice session, clinching a spot in Q2.

Both the riders had the chance to test the new aerodynamic package. More than twenty bodywork components have been modified or redesigned. The main goal is to increase efficiency, i.e. the ratio between the aerodynamic downforce and the drag produced by the aerodynamic devices. Furthermore, the ground effect downforce has been improved when the bike is at lean angle while going around corners and sensitivity to side winds has decreased. 

ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
“The new aerodynamics seem to be working well – the bike is more agile. We demonstrated a good pace, managing to do quite a few laps with outstanding times. The bike and I have always done rather well on this track. I find that do well on the flowing parts and I can go into corners fast. Plus, there are lots of third-gear turns, which is precisely where I am extremely strong.”

MAVERICK VIÑALES
“I rediscovered good sensations with the Aprilia RS-GP24. We were extremely competitive, both in terms of race pace and on the flying lap. I might have expected more in the final time attack, but I’m not worried. We know that in qualifying and in the sprint race we can do well and, most importantly, I figured out how to best exploit the tyres to maintain a good race pace.”

PAOLO BONORA
“We are extremely pleased with the way this day went. The aerodynamic package that we introduced seems to work because the riders’ comments were positive. The work done during the summer break is bearing the fruit we had hoped for. We’ll continue to work in view of both the sprint Race and the long race.”