Why MotoGP's smallest manufacturer now belongs in the elite class

Aleix Espargaro's frustrated media debriefs became a common theme in 2019, but an encouraging showing in the Sepang test with the latest evolution of its RS-GP points to a positive future

Published Feb 10, 2020, 2:31 PM

Aprilia unveiled the long-awaited "revolution" of its RS-GP MotoGP bike at last weekend's Sepang pre-season test, which was met with praise from its number one rider Aleix Espargaro after a positive six days of running during the shakedown and the official test.

In doing so, Aprilia has already passed its first major challenge with its new bike.

Espargaro is not one to shy away from letting his feelings be known, and hosted many a frustrated media debrief across the 2019 season as he fumed at Aprilia's lack of progress with a bike he felt had the ingredients to be a strong package.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.