MotoGP, Albesiano: “Dovizioso is helping us a lot to make Aprilia grow”

2021 started under a lucky star for Aprilia. The work done by the men from Noale, led by Romano Albesiano, is bearing fruit, and the RS-GP is getting closer to the top of the class in the MotoGP. It’s not an easy course to complete, but the direction they’re taking is the right one.

Technical Director Albesiano, interviewed by motogp.com, expressed his satisfaction: “It was a positive first half of the season in which the bike showed good characteristics in terms of engine, delivery, stability, braking capacity, and acceleration,” he stated. “Aleix Espargarò is in his best condition. The bike gives him the best feelings, and he’s more confident.”

As mentioned, Aprilia started investing heavily in its MotoGP project.

“In recent years, the attention of our racing department has increased, and it shows in the results on the track,” Albesiano confirmed. “We’re starting to do a kind of development that we couldn’t do before, and we’ve grown a lot in some areas, such as aerodynamics and electronics. We’ve also made two radical changes to the engine in the last few years. This meant having to start from scratch, but now we have more potential.”

What’s missing from the RS-GP to aim for the podium?

“They’re all very close, and it’s difficult to locate an area where we lose,” Albersiano answered. “We take a lot of videos on the track to better understand where we need to improve. Of course, the more power you have, the better, but this doesn’t apply to all circuits. They’re just small details.”

Finally, Romano spoke about the collaboration with Dovizioso, which began this year and which will continue for all the seasons, with Andrea in the role as test rider for Aprilia.

“It’s a very positive experience. He’s a very smart rider who understands how the bike works very well but, at the same time, he doesn’t want to be an engineer,” he stated. “He gives us very clear sensations, and his experience has helped us a lot, especially in the last test. He gave us very important information. It’s a pleasure to work with him.”