In the 2022 MotoGP season, Aprilia will compete for the first time with its own factory team: Do Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro regularly finish on the podium?
The Aprilia factory team has unveiled its livery for the 2022 season a day before the MotoGP test in Mandalika, Indonesia. In a prepared video that was streamed, the manufacturer from Noale, Italy, showed the RS-GP of the new vintage. Technically, a lot has changed at Aprilia. And visually there are also some innovations.
The paintwork of the new Aprilia is clearly different from last year. Black dominates, red and purple lines provide a dynamic look. “In my opinion, the 2022 RS-GP will be the most beautiful bike on the grid and I hope it will also be one of the fastest,” notes Aprilia Race Director Massimo Rivola. “I think we have done a lot of work and I am sure we have taken the right direction.”
“The 2022 RS-GP is a profound evolution of the excellent 2021 base,” explains Technical Director Romano Albesiano. “The engine has undergone major changes internally, while retaining the previous layout. The aerodynamics are constantly evolving. And the chassis architecture and software have been revised with the aim of improving important aspects such as braking, acceleration and the launches. “
The 2022 MotoGP season is a fresh start for Aprilia. They parted ways with partner Gresini at the end of last season. Since Aprilia’s MotoGP comeback in the 2015 season, Gresini had been responsible for the project at the race tracks. In the 2022 season, the Italian squad, run by Fausto Gresini’s widow, will run its own Ducati customer team.
Aprilia faces “important season” in MotoGP
“This is an important season,” commented Aprilia race director Massimo Rivola. “We are entering MotoGP as a factory team, right on the thirtieth anniversary of Aprilia’s first World Championship title, which we won with Alex Gramigni. It’s a big responsibility, but also an extra injection of motivation. “
Aprilia is the only MotoGP manufacturer still allowed to enjoy concession benefits. Last year Aleix Espargaro secured the first MotoGP podium for Aprilia at Silverstone. The results of the pre-season test in Sepang (Malaysia) prove that Aprilia is a force to be reckoned with in 2022. The 2022 bike is a significant improvement. Espargaro set top times in Sepang.
Aleix Espargaro pays tribute to Aprilia’s racing heritage
“I can’t wait to get back on track with my team. After many years together, they are no longer just mechanics and technicians. They are really part of my family, and from that point of view the winter break always seems too long,” commented Aleix Espargaro.
“I am extremely excited. The years may pass, but I’m still as hungry as I was at the beginning and I’m physically in top form,” Aleix Espargaro described. “For the first tests I have chosen a helmet with graphics dedicated to all of Aprilia’s first podium finishes in the different classes, including the one we achieved together at Silverstone. “
“This seems to me to be the right way to start the season and to honour the great racing heritage of this brand. Our goal, of course, is to add more pictures to this gallery,” the long-time Aprilia rider states the goal for the upcoming season.
Is Maverick Vinales in for a surprise?
But teammate Maverick Vinales should also be on your radar. The Spaniard wants to prove with Aprilia that he is a top rider. Last year, Vinales surprisingly parted ways with Yamaha and joined Aprilia for the final third of the season. The Italians have high expectations of the former Moto3 World Champion.
“From my first moment in this team, I realised that I was chosen for a specific purpose – to bring Aprilia to the top of modern MotoGP,” explains Maverick Vinales. “That is the goal we are all working towards. “
“I don’t think it’s fair to make predictions. I prefer to focus on the work at hand and the preparation, because I believe that the results are a direct consequence of our efforts. We had the great opportunity to get to know each other beforehand, to do some races together and to understand each other’s needs,” the Spaniard looks back at last year’s outings.
“We have to take advantage of this as much as possible. I am very happy with the work the race department has done over the winter and now we just need to show our progress on the track,” said Maverick Vinales.
