Aleix Espargaro will fight for the MotoGP title with his Aprilia in 2022: Johann Zarco believes he knows the great strength of the RS-GP
Aprilia is the big surprise in the 2022 MotoGP season: after eleven of 20 races, the manufacturer from Noale, Italy, leads the team standings in the premier class, moreover, Aleix Espargaro’s World Championship chances are still intact.
The Spaniard has impressed with his consistency so far this season. In the last seven races he has always finished in the top five, and at his home race in Barcelona it could have been second place instead of P5 if it hadn’t been for the momentous mistake when Espargaro ended the race one lap too early.
The fact that Espargaro is competitive with his Aprilia RS-GP on almost every track and fights for podium places does not surprise his MotoGP rider colleague Johann Zarco. “They are the best everywhere on average,” explains the Pramac Ducati rider.
Johann Zarco: Aprilia the best everywhere on average
This makes it clear that in 2022 Aprilia has managed to achieve an excellent compromise between the agility of the Yamaha M1 with its in-line four-cylinder and the great power potential of a V4 engine like Ducati’s.
First ever MotoGP win, back to back podiums and now both riders tasting success
There is a big case to be made that Aprilia are the top constructor so far in 2022 SeasonSoFar pic.twitter.com/6gxHcOjBVT
– MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) July 3, 2022
“In terms of the riding itself, I think it’s the turning on Aleix that’s the best,” Zarco analyses. “When he puts the bike in lean, he turns quickly in the apex really fast. And that makes the difference,” the Frenchman continued.
Aprilia has managed to become competitive over the years with a series of revolutions to the RS-GP. In the meantime, even after a restructuring in the team, they are themselves one of the technical pioneers in the premier class. The best example of this is the rear spoiler that was fitted to the hump of the RS-GP at Mugello.
However, the great progress also has its downsides: Since Espargaro’s third place in Jerez, it is clear that with Aprilia the last manufacturer is also losing its concessionary advantages. Previously, the Italians had enjoyed fewer restrictions compared to the competition, for example in terms of engine development and test time.
