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Aprilia has taken a gamble in MotoGP and is trying to win it. It is not easy, because this year the new bike made its début just before the start in Qatar and for 2017 the decision was made to change both riders (Lowes and Aleix Espargarò will arrive).
The team is working hard ad both Bradl and Bautista - also aided by some good luck - have managed to hold their own on a few occasions. The path toward taking the RS-GP to the same level as the best competitors is still long, even if this season can be considered a long test.
In any case, in Germany Aprilia could assert themselves on a track where HP (which it is still lacking) is not fundamental.
Manager, Romano Albesiano explains: “The Sachsenring is a decidedly peculiar track, where engine performance has little impact on the overall result. Just imagine that maximum power is used for about 10-15% of the lap, whereas the electronics setup and the chassis features are fundamental.”
Other features will make the difference.
“What is needed most of all is handling and the ability to find the right line on the turns, both in acceleration and without the throttle - he continues - Another delicate aspect concerns the first right-hander after a long section with the bike leaned to the left, a crucial point of the track that must be managed very carefully.”
The RS-GP will have a few upgrades.
“In Germany we will be bringing a new swingarm, significantly lighter and with different stiffness parameters, and some components on the intake side of the engine that should guarantee a step forward in terms of torque at medium rpm”, Albesiano reveals.
The riders are ready to give it their all, especially Bautista, who is anxious to leave the mistake from the Dutch GP behind.
“The break gave me a chance to release the tension from Assen. It was not easy, but now I am motivated and ready for battle - he ensures - The Sachsenring is a slow, narrow track with a lot of left-handers, very difficult. As always, we are starting from zero, so we'll have to begin working well from Friday morning on the bike setup. We are doing a good job. It would be nice for me to start the summer break with a good race, battling in the top ten as we have in the last two rounds.”
There is extra motivation for Bradl at his home race.
“It will be a special weekend for me. Many of my fans and friends will be at the Sachsenring to support me. Despite the track not being my favourite, the excitement of racing at home is always very strong.- he says - Especially this year, since in 2015 I missed the race in Germany before beginning my adventure with Aprilia. I hope that my RS-GP adapts well to this track. A good result is within our potential and, all things considered, it would be particularly satisfying for me.”
